UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
AT  LOS  ANGELES 


r 


THE 


FREDONIAD: 


INDEPENDENCE    PRESERVED. 


EPICK  POEM 


THE   L.ATE   WAR  OP   1812. 


BT 

RICHARD    EMMONS,    M.  D. 


IN   FOUR   VOLUMES. 

VOL.  ii. 


BOSTON :  * 

PUBLISHED    FOR   THE    AUTHOR,    BY    WILLIAM    EMMONS. 

1827. 


CANTO    XI. 


ARGUMENT. 

Invocation. ...In  consequence  of  the  calamities  at  Raisin,  offensive 
operations  are  deferred  until  the  return  of  Spring The  sail 
ing  of  the  Essex. ...Capture  of  the  Alert. ...Porter  returns.... refits 
....sails  for  the  Pacifick... .enters  the  Port  of  Valparaiso. ...Porter 
is  there  discovered  by  the  Phoebe  and  Cherub. ...Neutral  Rights 
....The  Phoebe  in  the  power  of  the  Essex.. ..The  Challenge  vio 
lated  by  the  Enemy. ...The  Blockade. ...Porter,  with  a  favouring 
wind,  endeavours  to  gain  the  ocean. ...Defeated  by  a  gale  car 
rying  away  his  main-top-mast. ...The  British  pursue  him  into 
the  Harbour,  and  commence  Action. 

The  scene  is  laid  at  the  above-mentioned  place. 

The  time  is  about  ten  months  :  from  the  commencement  of  the 
War,  June  18th,  1812,  until  the  Spring  of  1813. 

From  the  time  the  Essex  enters  Valparaiso,  till  the  day  of  Battle, 
is  forty-six  hours. 


FREDONIAD. 


CANTO  XI. 

VOUCHSAFE,  ethereal  Muse  !  from  heaven,  O  deign 
To  bend  thine  ear,  and  hearken  to  my  strain  : 
Thou,  who  inspir'st  the  poet  to  receive 
That  hallow'd  impulse,  which  not  earth  can  give  ! 
Come,  and  bestow  thy  musick  to  my  song  ; 
Sublime  my  thoughts  to  noble  musings  strong. 
O  let  me  feel  thee  through  each  vein  of  life, 
That  I  may  madden  in  the  maddening  strife. 

O  for  a  spark  that  Homer  did  inspire, 
That  I  may  burn,  and  feel  myself  on  fire  !  10 

Virgilian  sweetness  to  my  verse  impart, 
To  charm  with  beauty,  and  dissolve  the  heart  : 
Let  Shakspeare's  fancy,  with  his  frenzied  eye, 
Rush  on  my  soul,  and  waken  raptures  high  ! 
With  Milton's  majesty  exalt  my  song  ; 
Teach  me  to  speak  with  his  immortal  tongue  ! 
Like  Ossian,  solemn  ;  like  his  eagles,  bold  ; 
And  let  the  flood-gates  of  the  mind  unfold  1 

Wherefore,  O  Muse  !  so  partial  to  the  East, 
That  thou  hast  there,  so  lavish,  spread  thy  feast  ;     20 


PKEDONIAI>.      CANTO  XI. 

While  stinted  favours,  granted  to  the  West, 
Seem  to  be  drawn  reluctant  from  thy  breast  1 

What  !  is  the  rising  of  the  sun  to  thee 
More  sweet,  than  when  with  golden  drapery 
The  heavens  are  hung,  he,  with  soft  light,  retires, 
And  fills  the  soul  with  worshipping  desires  ? 
Or  art  thou  human,  to  admire  the  spot 
Where  thou,  with  dewy  wings,  wert  first  begot  ? 

Impartial  Muse  !  let  not  these  feelings  bland 
Enchain  thee  longer  to  the  orient  strand.  30 

Come,  view  our  sun  ;  he  sets  in  love-scenes  bright  ; 
His  evening  beauty  will  thy  heart  delight. 
Our  lakes,  our  rivers,  and  our  mountain  clime 
Will  give  thy  soul  its  fancy-work  sublime. 

But,  if  these  nothing  will  thy  bosom  move 
To  grant  the  West  the  smiling  of  thy  love, 
With  other  motives  must  I  urge  my  suit  ; 
For  I, — no,  never, — never  can  be  mute  ; 
O  come,  and  spread  thy  pinions  o'er  the  sea, 
And  thou  shalt  find  thy  sister,  Liberty  !  40 

Through  various  trials,  changes,  have  1  pass'd— 

0  still  uphold  me  till  I  sing  the  last  ! 

From  hell  to  earth — from  earth  I  venturous  trod 
To  gain  the  outskirts  of  creation's  God  ; 
The  shock,  the  turbulence  of  battle,  sung, 
Where  Death  his  harvest  glean'd,  whilst  pealing  thun 
ders  rung. 

Three  parts  remain  to  sing  !     Without  thine  aid, 
My  soul  must  languish, — future  scenery  fade. 

1  shrink  with  trembling,  when  I  look  before, 

Ere  the  last  numbers  of  my  song  be  o'er.  50 


CRUISE  OP  CAPTAIN  PORTER.  ( 

O  mount  my  thoughts  on  inspiration's  wing  ! 
Vouchsafe  thy  wisdom,  or  I  faultering  sing. 

On  the  same  morn  of  the  disastrous  day, 
Which  wrapp'd  the  martyrs  in  their  robes  of  clay, 
Shelby  commanded  Croghan  from  his  rest, 
And  him,  like  father  to  a  son,  address'd  : 

"  Thy  youthful  warriors  marshal,  and  proceed 
To  strengthen  Lewis  at  his  pressing  need. 
His  heart,  all  anxious,  palpitates  with  pain 
To  meet  the  foe,  progressing  on  the  plain.  60 

Adair  will  reach  us  at  declining  sun  ; 
Maiden  submits  ere  three  brief  days  are  done." 

Croghan  departed  instant  from  the  fort  ; 
But  soon  from  Rumour  he  receiv'd  report 
Of  Lewis'  hasty  movement  from  the  Isle  ;* 
Then  of  the  battle  ;  how,  with  courteous  smile, 
Vict'ry  had  crown'd  his  efforts.     An  hour  hence, 
He  learnt  the  slaughter  of  the  dire  defence  ; 
Of  Allen,  steep'd  in  gore  ;  of  Simpson's  grave  ; 
And  slaughter'd  multitudes  of  heroes  brave.  70 

Lo,  now,  a  hurrying  villager  he  spies, 
Bearing  a  wild  expression  in  his  eyes, 
Who  brief  describes  the  massacre  of  death, 
Deliver'd  quick  in  violence  of  breath. 

"  I'll  hunt  the  savage  in  his  den  !     My  God  ! 
What,  have  the  monsters  rioted  in  blood  ? 
Graves,  Dunn,  MacCracken,  Woolfork,  Hickman, 

Hart  ! 
Lead  me  the  way  !     With  life  shall  none  depart ; 

*  Presque  Isle. 


8  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XI. 

I'll  wall  their  path  with  dead.     My  heart's  last  drop 
Shall  be  expended  !     Wherefore  do  we  stop  1"        80 

"  Young  chief,  most  gladly  would  I  show  you  forth  ; 
But  see  the  snow  !  how  deep  upon  the  earth  ! 
You  ne'er  can  hope  these  pil'd-up  drifts  to  pass  ; 
Return  you  must,  from  whence  your  coming  was. 
Admit  that,  even  now,  you'd  reach'd  the  plain, 
What  good  relief  could  you  afford  the  slain  V9 

"  Alas  !  what  tightness  binds  my  breast !  Thy  voice 
Is  cold — too  cold  !     And  nothing  left  for  choice  ? 
Nothing.     My  reason  tells  me  I  should  fail  ; 
Yea — I  to  Shelby  must  declare  the  tale  ;  90 

A  tale,  to  strike  the  centre  of  his  heart, 
Sharp  as  the  piercing  of  a  heated  dart." 

Silent  he  wheel'd  his  grieving  warriors  round, 
Their  features,  solemn,  cast  upon  the  ground  ; 
Sad  they  their  path  retravers'd  through  the  snow  ; 
And  Croghan,  tearful,  spoke  the  words  of  wo. 

While  Shelby  heard  his  voice,  he  stood,  a  block 
Of  statued  marble, — pillar'd  by  the  shock. 
And  when  th'  expression  of  his  tongue  was  heard, 
A  sigh  came  mingled  with  each  frozen  word  :          100 

"  I  pray  you,  peace  !  nor  tear  my  soul  in  twain  ; 
Declar'd  you  not,  that  every  life  was  slain  1 
And  where  was  Elliot  ?  said  you  not,  that  he 
Was  leagu'd  to  aid  the  horrid  butchery  ? 
O  what  unnatural  sacrilege  is  this  .' 
What,  burnt  with  torture  in  the  wilderness  ! 
Dizzy  my  brain — my  heart,  my  heart  Ls  pent, 
Breaking  oppress'd.     What  language,  utterance,  vents 


CRUISE    OP    CAPTAIN   PORTER. 

My  breast,  o'ercharg'd  with  grief.     O,  Britain  !  what — 

"  Forbear  my  tongue  110 

To  utter  forth  her  name.     Oppression — wrong — 
Harder  than  flint-rock — sharp — cruel  as  fire — 
Purchaser  of  blood — all  the  vices  dire, 
That  ever  brooding  hell  hatch'd  into  birth, 
She  nurtures  in  her  breast — the  damn'dest  of  the  earth  ! 
She  stabs,  and  smiling  stabs  ! 

"  While  Raisin's  flood 

Shall  mingle  with  the  lake,  this  martyr'd  blood 
AVill  mark  her  forehead  with  a  crimson  stain, 
Which  not  the  waters  of  the  dark-blue  main 
Can  ever  wash  away  !     This  scene  of  death 
Will  rise  in  judgment  from  the  world  beneath  !      120 
With  blood  branded  with  blood  ! 

"  The  theme  no  more — 
My  heart  is  bleeding — breaking  at  the  core  !" 

The  hoary  chief  stands  fix'd  in  silence,  dumb 
By  the  full  passion  of  his  soul  o'er-come. 
Slow,  partial  by  degrees,  subside  his  pains  ; 
His  mind,  at  length,  its  former  power  regains  : 

So  when  the  northern  sea,  in  tumult  thrown 
By  the  rude  tempest  of  the  frigid  zone  ; 
Scaling  the  cloudy  battlements  of  heaven, 
Thence  to  the  basis  of  the  ocean  driven  ;  1 30 

The  North  outspent,  the  howling  whirlwinds  die, 
And  the  loose  clouds  are  scatter'd  o'er  the  sky  ; 
But  not  the  billows  sudden  lose  their  force, 
Ascending,  sinking,  rolling  in  their  course. 
At  length,  by  parts,  subsiding  to  a  plain, 
A  deep,  dead  silence  settles  on  the  main  : 


10  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XI. 

Thus  the  commotion  in  the  veteran's  breast, 
By  slow  degrees,  was  quieted  to  rest. 

He  thinks  no  longer  to  pursue  the  strife, 
Till  a  new  spring  shall  blossom  into  life.  140 

Now  iron  Winter  rules  the  northern  sphere, 
Creation  frowns  with  aged  look  severe, 
The  trees  stand  bleak  and  naked  on  the  plain, 
Their  green  robes  scattered  by  the  storms  amain, 
Save  the  hard  oaks — these  rustle  in  the  sky, 
And  the  cold  searching  of  the  winds  defy. 
With  howling  fury  drives  along  the  blast, 
While  from  his  wings,  ice,  snow,  and  sleet,  are  cast  ; 
Drifts  pil'd  on  drifts,  deep  smother  up  the  earth, 
And  hold  in  chains  the  hostile  armies,  north.  150 

The  lakes,  the  streams,  are  smooth,  with  ice  bridg'd 

o'er, 

Save  where  steep  cat'racts  down  the  rough  rocks  roar. 
The  spires  of  ice,  which  glitter  from  on  high, 
Reflect  the  clouds,  which  scud  athwart  the  sky  ; 
Nature  stands  manacled.     The  frost  so  deep,     • 
It  heaves  the  mountains — whirling  fragments  leap 
With  sound  through  heaven,  reverberating,  loud, 
Like  thunders  bursting  from  a  fire-ting'd  cloud. 

Now  Porter  from  the  poet  claims  the  song — 
And  while  he  sings,  O  Muse  .'  inflame  his  tongue. 
The  mariner  demands  superior  lay  ;  l6l 

To  live  till  things  of  eldest  time  decay. 

When  War's  rough  clarion  round  Columbia  rung, 
On  board  his  gallant  ship  the  hero  sprung, 


CRUISE    OP   CAPTAIN   PORTER.  11 

The  Essex,  new  with  life  ;  with  power  supplied  ; 

And  all  in  naval  trim  to  plough  the  tide 

To  search  the  impressing  foe.     A  fearless  crew 

His  voice  obey'd,  their  glory  to  pursue. 

And  these  to  Porter  next  in  honour  stood, 

To  live  recorded  with  the  brave  and  good  :  170 

Gamble,  and  Farragut,  Downes,  Boswick,  Terry, 

And  Isaacs,  Barnwell,  Lyman,  Duzenbury, 

Linscott,  Macknight,  and  Finch — whom  none  excel, 

And  Odenheimer,  Johnson,  Willner,  and  Cowell — 

Names  worthy  Porter  to  command  the  crew, 

Or  guide  the  battle-ship  the  ocean  through. 

At  Porter's  voice,  her  wings  reflect  the  day  ; 
She  walks  the  waters  with  her  streamers  gay. 
Nereids  sail  round  in  shells  of  coral  red, 
And  bosom'd  mermaids  show  their  blushing  head.  180 
All  the  fair  deities,  that  cleave  the  deep, 
Dance  to  the  motion  of  the  tilting  ship. 

Soon  nine  rich  flags  surrender  to  her  powers  ; 
Before  her  path,  abash'd,  the  Lion  cowers  ; 
Light  as  a  sea-bird  o'er  the  water  swims, 
So  the  proud  vessel  through  the  ocean  skims. 

Mean  time,  Laugharne,  commanding  the  Alert^ 
Travers'd  the  main,  with  royal  feelings  hurt, 
Seeking  the  ship,  that  had  the  Peacock  tore, 
The  blue  wave  crimson'd  with  her  bosom's  gore.   190 

Through  mist,  he  now  not  distantly  descried 
The  Essex  durk'd,  which  dimm'd  her  on  the  tide  ; 
Hence  for  the  Hornet  he  her  form  mistook, 
And  thus  began,  intent  her  power  to  brook  : 

"  The  saucy  vessel,  on  the  west  espied, 
Must  be  the  stately  Hornet  in  her  pride  ; 


12  PREDONIAD.      CANTO   XI. 

Long  have  we  sought  to  meet  her  in  the  strife, 

And  sink  her  as  she  sunk  the  Peacock's  life. 

Brief  we'll  repay,  what  she  to  us  hath  given, 

For  down  to  death  her  standard  shall  be  driven.     200 

Extend  the  canvass  ;  bear  upon  her  proud, 

And  wake  the  thunder  guns  with  vengeance  loud." 

Before  th'  impelling  wind  the  vessel  flew  ; 
For  now  the  North  with  quickening  impulse  blew. 
The  shrouds  the  Britons  in  their  ardour  mann'd, 
And  shouted  triumphs  with  a  waving  hand  ; 
Then  on  the  deck  descended  with  a  run, 
And  lit  the  matches,  and  the  war  begun. 

When  Porter  mark'd  her  bent  upon  the  fight, 
He  felt  his  bosom  tremble  with  delight,  210 

And  thus  with  smiling  cheek  :    "  Lo,  with  what  rage 
She  leaps  the  sea,  the  Essex  to  engage  ! 
Mates  !  give  not  back,  though  terrible  her  ire  ; 
Behold,  she  comes  to  bury  us  in  fire  ! 
With  ready  sparkle,  touch  the  guns  a  side, 
And  let  our  voice  be  heard  upon  the  tide. 
"Twill  never  do  the  horrible  to  shun, 
As  cowards  do  and  quail  without  a  gun." 

The  sea-boys  instant  to  the  cannon  ply 
The  madding  spark  ;  the  balls  instinctive  fly,         220 
Searching  the  enemy.     From  stem  to  stern 
The  Albion  groans,   Death  !    so  direful  burns, 
Inflam'd,  the  Freedom  ship.     To  shun  the  grave, 
Which  yawning  gapes  below,  flat  on  the  wave 
The  Cross  in  anguish  sinks  !     The  battle's  done  ; 
A  blazing  moment,  and  the  fight  was  won. 


CHUJSE    OF   CAPTAIN    PORTER.  13 

The  lofty  Triton,  at  the  edge  of  night, 
Beheld,  but  shunn'd  the  Essex  in  a  flight  ; 
And  Porter's  signs,  to  bribe  him  to  the  fray, 
But  urge  him  faster  in  his  fear  away.  230 

Having,  at  length,  th'  Atlantick  circled  round, 
And  many  a  regal  flag  in  ocean  drown'd, 
For  York  he  bent  his  sails,  with  smooth  winds  bless'd, 
His  ship  to  furnish  for  the  ocean  west  ; 
But  lo,  he  found  two  three-tier'd  royals  there  ; 
He  run  them  by,  and  made  the  Delaware. 

During  the  voyage,  no  patriot  found  his  death, 
But  ail  return'd  inspir'd  with  Freedom's  breath. 
Ten  days  ashore,  the  boreal  winds  arise, 
And  forth  invite  him  to  the  southern  skies  ;  240 

He  weighs  the  deep-cast  anchor  ;  spreads  his  sail, 
And  gains  the  ocean — bounds  before  the  gale. 

Now  in  the  south,  beneath  the  solar  ray, 
Columbia's  ensign  brightens  with  the  day. 
The  rapid  Essex,  on  the  twentieth  morn, 
Doubles  the  continent  at  bleak  Cape  Horn  ; 
The  stately  bark  rejoices  in  her  way, 
Ploughing  with  crooked  beak  the  western  sea. 

The  sign  of  Freedom  she  displays  above, 
The  oak-perch'd  Eagle,  thunder-bird  of  Jove.       250 
Proud  from  the  centre  floats  her  pennon  high, 
Brushing  the  clouds,  that  sleep  upon  the  sky. 
Bi-oad  waving  from  the  fore,  to  glad  their  eyes, 
The  "  Rights  of  Sailors,"  like  a  gold  cloud,  flies. 

North,  Porter  traverses  the  Chilian  coast, 
The  softest  climates,  that  the  world  can  boast ; 


14  FJREDONIAD.      CANTO   XI. 

Along  the  shores  of  Lima  smooth  he  sails, 

Impell'd,  delicious,  by  the  spicy  gales  ; 

Cruises  from  thence  round  Gallipagos  Isles, 

Where  nature  frolicks  in  primeval  wiles.  -260 

On  all  his  paths,  he  opens  through  the  tide, 

None  can  his  rapidness,  or  strength,  abide  : 

The  Nocton,  Greenwich,  first  their  standards  bow. 

Then  Montezuma,  king  of  Mexico  ; 

The  Georgiana,  Hammond,  Policy  ; 

Th'  Atlantick,  deep  with  treasures  of  the  sea  ; 

Seringapatam,  Charlton,  Catharine 

And  Rose,  and  Hector,  Zealander,  resign. 

Of  these  he  forms  a  fleet  with  Freedom's  Star, 

And  gilds  the  ocean  with  its  light  afar.  270 

To  isles,  unvisited,  he  bears  his  fame, 

And  plants  the  Eagle  in  his  country's  name. 

At  length,  the  Albions  scatter'd  from  the  west, 
No  standard  seen  to  bear  the  Lion's  crest, 

For  Valparaiso  he  directs  his  prow, 

And  flies  the  ocean  on  his  wings  of  snow. 

In  three  bright  suns,  he  furls  his  sails  in  port, 

And  drops  his  anchor  opposite  the  fort. 

Not  otherwise  a  whale,  from  northern  flood, 

Bent  on  revenge  for  pouring  forth  of  blood,  280 

Shed  by  the  sharks,  foams  with  excited  wrath, 

Tinging  the  waters  crimson  in  his  path. 

The  sharks  endeavour  to  avoid  his  ire 

In  vain — full  many  by  his  blows  expire  ; 

At  length,  outspent  with  labour  on  the  wave, 

He  seeks  composure  in  his  secret  cave  : 

The  Essex  left  the  sea  ;  her  view  the  same, 

To  give  soft  quiet  to  her  tired  frame. 


CRUISE  OP  CAPTAIN  PORTER.  1 

The  mean  time  Rumour  to  Britannia  bore, 
Th'  unwelcome  tidings  of  the  Essex'  power,  290 

Which  set  the  nation  in  commotion  wild  ; 
The  madded  pulses  of  the  monarch  boil'd, 
The  tooth  of  anguish  eat  upon  his  soul, 
That  Porter,  born  of  freedom,  should  control 
The  ocean  of  the  west  :  it  made  him  rave 
To  think  the  Essex  should  command  the  wave, 
And  bid  defiance  to  his  thousand  ships, 
Which  late  had  borne  the  trident  of  the  deeps. 

He  sent  for  Hillyar,  at  the  court  of  James, 
And  Tucker,  from  their  vessels  on  the  Thames  :    300 
The  first,  devoid  of  honour's  guiding  chart — 
The  latter,  touch'd  with  virtue's  silver  dart. 
They  came,  unpausing,  at  their  monarch's  word, 
From  whom  these  orders  they  in  silence  heard  : 

"  The  tidings  know  ye  not  ?     Forth,  anchors  weigh, 
And  dash  your  vessels  foaming  through  the  sea, 
And  hunt  this  Porter  and  the  Essex  down  ; 
Reduce  the  Eagle  to  the  Lion  crown  ; 
Pluck  every  quill  from  out  her  haughty  wing  ; 
Tear,  search  her  vitals  ;  her  destruction  bring.       310 
By  her,  alone,  more  commerce  have  we  lost, 
Than  all  the  battles,  wag'd  with  France,  have  cost. 
Who  ever  thought,  their  President  would  dare 
To  send  a  vessel  on  the  ocean  there  ? 
No  doubt  was  Ours,  but,  ere  this  period,  all 
His  infant  navy  in  Our  hands  would  fall; 
Of  them,  the  whole  had  in  the  deep  sea  grav'd, 
And  not  an  ensign  of  the  Eagle  wav'd. 
They  must  have  watch'd  us  with  unwinking  eye, 
And,  in  night  season,  run  Our  vessels  by.  320 


16  FKEDONIAD.      CANTO  XI. 

In  darkness  thick  involv'd,  their  Hornet  flew 
From  port  Salvador,  pass'd  the  Montague  ; 
But  soon,  how  soon  did  Brook  their  Lawrence  slay. 
When  proud  he  fought  him  in  the  midst  of  day  ! 
When  We,  in  cruising,  met  the  ships  of  Gaul, 
In  night,  or  day,  We  caus'd  their  flags  to  fall. 

"  Soon  We  the  Tagus  and  Carnation  fair, 
With  Lloyd,  shall  send  upon  the  station  there, 
Perhaps  Plantagenet  to  him  shall  give, 
That  in  your  presence  not  a  foe  may  live.  330 

"  Bring  but  the  Essex  here,  or  late,  or  soon, 
And  We'll  reward  you  with  a  monarch's  boon." 

Hillyar  receiv'd  th'  intelligence  with  awe, — 
As  though  a  deity  had  giv'n  him  law. 
Tucker,  by  look,  consented — never  knelt, 
For  in  his  breast  a  dignity  he  felt. 

They  to  their  vessels  presently  repair, 
With  flaunting  standards  sporting  in  the  air. 
Hillyar  the  Phoebe  governs,  deck'd  with  pride, 
With  thirty  guns  to  blaze  upon  a  side.  340 

Engrav'd  on  each  is  seen  the  Cross  and  Crown, 
And  Lion  stamping  with  a  kingly  frown. 
Ready  a  crew  of  eight  times  fifty  stand, 
Prompt  to  obey  each  signal  of  command. 
Bradburn  stood  next,  the  Phoebe  to  defend — 
A  man,  that  never  felt  his  soul  to  bend. 

Tucker  the  Cherub  guides, — inferior  force, — 
The  Phoebe's  consort  through  the  briny  course. 
Brass  twice  fifteen,  with  four  times  fifty  men, 
To  wield  their  powers  when  battle  shall  begin,        350 
Compose  her  strength  ;  each  bosom  in  a  glow 
To  strike  the  banner  of  the  Essex  low. 


CRUISE  OP  CAPTAIN  PORTER.  17 

Hillyar  commands  for  sailing  :    "  Anchors  rise  ! 
Unfurl  the  willing  canvass  to  the  skies  ! 
See  every  officer  in  station  plac'd  ; 
We  cleave  the  deep  for  the  Pacifick  waste. 
There  rides  a  haughty  ship — the  Essex  proud — 
'Tis  ours  to  fold  her  in  a  sulphur  shroud, 
Which  to  our  character  will  add  more  weight, 
Than  to  have  swept  from  France  her  navy  desolate." 

Forthwith  the  hardy  mariners  proceed  36-1 

To  weigh  the  anchors  from  their  sandy  bed ; 
They  urge  the  poising  levers  with  a  song, 
Which  gives  communion  to  their  efforts  strong, 
The  ships  inch  slow,  as  they  the  windlass  turn, 
Which  makes  the  blood  within  their  bosoms  burn. 
At  length,  the  flukes  move  heavy  from  the  sand. 
While  the  loos'd  canvass  flutters  in  the  hand 
Of  those  aloft.     Dull-floating  on  the  tide 
The  prows  swing  sluggish  with  the  stream  aside.     370 
Fresh  from  the  hills  descend  the  infant  gales, 
And  fill  with  rustling  sound  the  shivering  sails. 
Like  wearied  labour  travelling,  move  they  slow  ; 
But  soon  the  winds  with  stronger  breathings  blow  ; 
At  once  they  feel  their  power,  and  cease  to  creep  ; 
They  dart,  they  fly,  they  bound  along  the  deep. 

Urg'd  by  the  rapid  wind,  the  Cape*  they  make, 
The  Cherub  foaming  in  the  Phoebe's  wake. 
From  every  mast  a  jealous  eye  they  keep 
To  mark  the  conquering  Essex  on  the  deep.  380 

From  south  to  north,  the  ocean  round  they  cleave  ; 
But  nothing,  friend  or  enemy,  perceive. 

*  Cape  Horn. 


18  PREDONIAD.      CANTO    Xi. 

Now  south  by  east,  in  varying  line,  they  steer. 
Till  fanes  of  Valparaiso  dim  appear. 
Approaching,  soon  with  envy's  eye  they  view 
The  Essex  waving  high  the  constant  blue, 
Mix'd  with  red  war,  and  innocence  of  white, 
Which  Freedom  gave  Columbia  with  delight  ; 
Round  which  the  Stars  effulgent  blaze  sublime, 
That  mark'd  to  Liberty  the  western  clime.  398 

The  royal  vessels  anchor'd,  Tucker  went 
To  learn  of  Hillyar,  how  his  views  were  bent, 
Who  scornful  thus  began  :  "  Behold  the  ship, 
That  dar'd  the  ocean  of  the  west  to  keep  ! 
[t  makes  my  very  blood   indignant  rave 
To  think  such  weakness  should  command  the  wave  ! 
Look,  how  her  saucy  standards  flaunt  the  sky  ! 
See    how  supreme  the  Rights  of  Sailors  fly  ! 
But  presently  we'll  dash  these  streamers  gay 
Back  from  the  presence  of  the  eye  of  day.  400 

These  glittering  emblems  from  their  height  shall  fall, 
And  Porter,  kneeling,  for  protection  call. 

"  The  Cherub  forth  for  combat  you'll  prepare  : 
But  first  shall  I  upon  the  Essex  bear, 
Prim'd  for  the  battle — settle  on  her  stern — 
These  lofty  banners  in  the  deep  o'erturn. 

"  But  should  there  danger  to  the   Phoebe  seem, 
By  Essex  veering,  as  to  gain  her  beam, 

You'll  place  the  Cherub  opposite  her  bow, 

And  there  your  art  and  naval  valour  show."  410 

He  open'd  his  design.     And  Tucker,  grave, 

After  deep  pause,  this  prudent  counsel  gave  : 

"  With  reverence  due,  for  your  supreme  command, 

Brief  I'd  remark,  we  sound  a  neutral  strand, 


CRUISE    OP    CAPTAIN    PORTER.  19 

Where  hostile  flags  in  friendship  can  resort  ; 

Hence,  a  peace  offering  would  I  bear  in  port, 

The  law  of  nations  sanctifies  the  place  ; 

Let  not  our  violence  the  right  disgrace  ; 

'Twill  dim  our  honour  to  commit  the  deed, 

Yea,  make  the  bosom  of  Britannia  bleed.  420 

Scorn'd  should  we  be — yes,  scouted  by  the  world — 

On  every  sea,  where  rides  our  flag  unfurl'd. 

If  we  the  laws  annul,  which  nations  bind, 

Where  shall  we  hope  an  allied  pow'r  to  find  ? 

No — not  a  friend,  except  a  savage  horde 

To  stain  our  banners  with  their  deeds  abhorr'd  : 

Thus  will  our  country  ever  spill  its  blood, 

So  long  as  we  shall  violate  the  flood. 

For  twice  ten  years,  we've  sltimber'd  not  in  peace  ; 

Continued  wars  have  swept  away  our  race ;  430 

The  cause  is  obvious — open  to  the  sight — 

The  intermeddling  with  the  nations'  right. 

Let  but  another  Pitt  direct  the  helm, 

And  wide  destruction  will  the  Isle  o'erwhelm. 

"  But  I  discern  no  shadow  of  a  cause, 
That  we  should  now  annihilate  those  laws  : 
Our  strength  outnumbers  twice  the  Essex  there, 
Hence,  why  should  we  like  dastards  on  her  bear  ? 
The  ship  can  we  imprison  at  our  ease, 
Or  let  her  pass,  until  she  gains  the  seas,  440 

And  then,  by  settling  on  her  stern  and  prow, 
Cause  her  proud  streamers  on  the  deck  to  bow. 

"  But  mark  you  not,  she's  anchor'd  at  the  fort  ? 
Hence,  should  we  hostile  enter  in  the  port, 
They  might  their  fortress  on  our  vessels  play, 
And  drive  us  back — our  ships  in  disarray, 


20  FREDONIAD.       CANTO  XI. 

Which  sadly  should  we  feel — for  now  we  need 
The  sweetening  fruits,  our  tainted  blood  to  feed. 

"  I,  for  these  reasons,  would  maintain  the  peace, 
And,  for  the  time,  hostilities  should  cease.  450 

"  With  voice  unmuffled  have  I  spoke  my  mind, — 
Nothing  conceal'd  in  secret  thought  behind. 
With  you  it  still  remains  to  lead  the  way, 
Gentle  in  peace,  or  to  provoke  the  fray. 
To  you  inferior,  thy  command  is  law — 
You'll  find  me  valiant,  if  intent  on  war." 

Thus  he.     And  Hillyar  thus  :   "  Full  well  I  know, 
That  drops  of  honour  in  your  bosom  flow  ; 
But  think  you've  awkwardly  constru'd  the  right, 
On  which,  I  doubt  not,  I  can  throw  some  light  :    460 

"  I  know,  that  nations,  formerly  in  wars, 
Were  ever  govern'd  by  established  laws, 
Call'd  laws  of  nations  ;  but  these  laws  of  yore, 
And  ancient  politicks,  are  now  no  more. 
In  former  days,  blockade  to  constitute, 
Requir'd  a  force,  the  passage  to  dispute  ; 
But  all  that 's  note  requir'd  t'  eflect  the  thing, 
Are  orders,  sign'd  and  publish'd  by  the  king — 
And  fast  imprison'd  is  the  ocean  world — 
At  least,  where  Gallick  standards  are  urjfurl'd.        470 

"  The  ancient  law  admitted  neutral  powers 
To  commerce  with  bellig'rents,  save  in  stores 
Hostile  to  life — but  now,  'tis  not  the  law ; 
If  contraband,  or  article  of  war, 
Let  them  but  enter  France, — our  vessels  seize 
Such  ships  of  wealth,  and  count  them  lawful  prize  ! 

"  But  let  us  closer  to  our  purpose  come, 
And  trace  the  subject  to  our  bosoms  home  : 


CRUISE  OF  CAPTAIN  PORTER.  21 

"  You  apprehend,  if  we  the  Essex  fight, 
That  we  should  be  the  first  to  mar  the  right —         480 
There's  nothing  in  it  true.     Did  not  our  king 
Bestow  on  Nelson  royal  honouring, 
For  entering  Denmark's  capital,  from  thence 
Seizing  her  navy  in  a  time  of  peace  1 
Poets  the  action  sing  ;  the  tuneful  Scott 
Exalts  the  theme  with  a  melodious  note  ! 
Did  not  our  vessels  plunder  on  the  main, 
In  the  third  year,*  the  treasury  ships  of  Spain  ? 

"  Now  these  things  justified,  by  modern  rules — 
(All  doctrines  are  despis'd  of  ancient  schools,)       490 
Sure,  right  is  ours,  t'  assail  our  enemy, 
Or  moor'd  in  harbour,  or  on  open  sea. 

"  You  apprehend,  should  we  to  war  resort, 
The  west  Iberians  would  emblaze  their  fort, 
And  drive  us  back  to  ocean  in  our  need, 
And  every  purpose  of  the  war  impede : 
Groundless  your  thoughts — they  dare  not  think  the 

thing, 

So  deep  they  dread  the  terror  of  our  king  ; 
Our  fleet  would  Copenhagenize  each  town, 
And  with  the  torch  burn  every  hamlet  down.          500 
Put  off  these  infant  fears.     No  doubt  is  mine, 
But  that  the  monarch  lauds  our  bold  design. 
What  gifts  of  costly  price  he  gave  to  Brook, 
When  he  the  Chesapeake  from  Lawrence  took. 
Never  so  splendid  was  a  falchion  made  ; 
His  garments  stiff  with  beaten  gold  o'erlaid. 
No  English  captain,  since  king  Alfred's  name, 
Has  e'er  been  honour'd  with  an  equal  fame. 

*  1803. 


FHEDONIAD.      CANTO   XI. 

"  My  reasons  now  you  fully  comprehend, 
Hence  you  my  every  signal  will  attend.  510 

But  conquer  now  the  Essex — and,  behold, 
At  our  return,  we  shall  be  laid  with  gold. 
I  charge  you,  mark  me  well — and  should  the  foe 
Kindle  her  ire,  be  swift  upon  her  bow  !" 

Tucker,  unanswering,  to  his  ship  repairs  ; 
And,  while  that  Hillyar  for  the  Essex  bears, 
He  makes  his  purpose  known  :  "  For  action,  clear, 
And  every  Briton  to  his  post  be  near. 
Port-lights  conceal,  till  I  the  word  proclaim, 
Then,  like  enchantment,  open  with  the  flame,         520 
By  which,  unguarded,  we  shall  strike  them  through, 
And  deep  engulf  them,  where  their  death  is  due  !" 

His  coward  purpose,  glad  his  crew  obey, 
As  winds  the  Phosbe  in  her  treacherous  way. 

Now  when  the  royals  bore  themselves  in  sight, 
Porter  prepar'd  his  vessel  for  the  fight — 
For,  by  appearances  so  oft  deceiv'd, 
No  show  of  peace  the  mariner  believ'd  ; 
And,  as  the  Phoebe  glided  down  the  stream, 
He  plac'd  her,  artful,  on  the  Essex'  beam.  530 

This  was  the  hero's  voice  :     "  The  Albion  now 
Glides  into  port,  with  peace  upon  her  brow — 
But  light  the  matches,  should  her  aspect  lower, 
To  show  the  hidden  virtue  of  our  power ; 
But  should  she  hold  as  sanctified  this  ground, 
I'll  be  the  last  to  speak  the  hostile  sound." 

Scarce  had  he  ended,  when  a  sudden  blast, 
Down  drove  the  Phoebe  on  the  Essex  fast ! 


CRUISE    OF    CAPTAIN   PORTER. 

Hillyar's  knee-joints,  unhing'd  from  their  control, 
Shook  with  a  palsy,  which  subdu'd  his  soul.  540 

To  move,  unable — ready  to  expire, 
Through  dread,  tint  Freedom  would  explode  her  fire. 

While  Hillyar  thus  was  apprehending  death, 
Downes  came  to  Porter  with  a  hurried  breath, 
That  he  would  signal  give,  to  blaze  her  through — 
Urg'd  to  request  from  th'  impatient  crew : 
"  Lo,  your  commands  the  mariners  await, 
To  touch  the  match,  her  life  to  desolate  : 
Say,  that  the  sparkle  shall  the  cannon  burst, 
And,  at  the  word,  the  enemy  is  dust !"  550 

Porter  made  answer:     "Honour  is  the  chart, 
Which,  till  eternity,  should  guide  the  heart  ; 
Let  not  our  ardour  to  begin  the  fray, 
Bear  the  best  feelings  of  the  soul  away. 
Our  nation's  fame  commands  me  not  to  fire, 
Hence,  bid  the  crew  to  quench  this  false  desire  : 
They  this  neutrality  must  first  debase, 
But  we  our  country  never  will  disgrace. 

"  In  honour'd  warfare,  let  us  die  or  live, 
Then,  future  glory  will  our  names  receive  ;  560 

But  darkness  gives  that  character  a  stain, 
Who  fights  his  foe,  distress'd  upon  the  main." 

What  time  this  converse  Downes  and  Porter  held, 
Hillyar  thought  nothing,  but  his  ship  to  yield ; 
His  crew  stood  shuddering  with  expectance  dire. 
That  from  the  Essex  havock  would  expire  ; 
Th'  ungenerous  Briton,  speechless  with  surprise, 
Could  not  give  credence  to  what  pass'd  his  eyes, 
Why  that  his  enemy  forebore  the  strife, 
To  strike  his  vessel  through  her  ribs  of  life.  570 


24  FREDONIAD.       CANTO  XI. 

So  once  a  traveller,  in  a  weary  mood, 
CalPd  at  an  inn  for  rest  and  generous  food — 
A  felon  soft  pursu'd  him  to  his  hold, 
To  spill  his  blood,  and  rob  him  of  his  gold. 
The  murderer,  arch,  assum'd  a  smiling  leer, 
To  blind  his  purpose  from  the  eye  of  fear — 
But  in  the  hellish  act  to  lift  his  knife 
To  reach  the  centre  of  the  traveller's  life, 
The  hand  of  justice  fasten'd  him  in  chains, 
For  former  crimes,  committed  on  the  plains  !  580 

His  crimson  guilt  half  took  away  his  breath — 
He  pal'd,  he  trembled  at  the  thoughts  of  death: 

Thus  Hillyar  stood,  expecting  to  expire 
Beneath  the  exploding  of  the  Essex'  fire  : 
There  nothing  being  in  his  mind  but  blood, 
He  thought  the  same  of  others  on  the  flood. 

At  length,  the  tumult  settling  to  a  pause, 
It  struck  his  thought,  'twas  neutralizing  laws — 
And,  like  a  hypocrite,  with  dastard  mind, 
Artful  conceal'd  the  purpose  he'd  design'd. 
Porter,  saluting  with  a  flexile  knee, 
He  thus  made  smooth  his  hidden  treachery  : 

"  It  seems  the  warring  elements  would  feign 
Compel  us  here  this  sanctity  to  stain  ; 
The  nations'  law  gives  reverence  to  this  fort, 
Where,  social,  we  like  brothers  can  consort. 
Pleasing  it  is — refreshing  to  my  mind, 
You  this  regard,  an  honour  to  mankind  ; 
I  enter'd  with  design  to  seek  supplies — 
The  tropick  fruits  and  other  rarities.  600 

"  Though  that  I've  plough'd  vast  circles  of  the  sea, 
By  order  of  my  king  in  search  of  thee, 


CRUISE  OP  CAPTAIN  PORTER.  25 

Yet  by  the  honour  of  the  British  name, 

That  never  yet  was  tarnish'd  of  its  fame, 

I  pledge  my  faith  and  write  the  same  with  blood, 

And  call  to  test  it  an  oath-sealing  God — 

That  I,  this  fair  neutrality  will  keep, 

Nor  offer  battle,  till  on  ocean's  deep." 

He  ended  with  the  oath.     Porter  rejoin'd, 
A  flame  of  honour  burning  in  his  mind  :  610 

"  For  righteous  Liberty  whose  flag  is  mine, 
I'd  not  be  guilty  of  a  base  design. 
'Tis  for  the  hallow'd  cause  of  neutral  rights, 
And  Independence,  that  Columbia  fights  ; 
Hence,  I  your  views  reciprocate  in  full  ; 
None  can  presume  your  promise  you'll  annul. 

"  Now  when  that  you  your  vessel  shall  repair, 
Then,  off  the  harbour,  will  I  meet  you  there  ; 
There,  we  can  battle  in  the  light  of  fame, 
I,  for  Columbia,  you,  for  Albion's  name.  620 

"  Forty  and  six,  the  Essex  bears  of  brass, 
With  five  times  fifty, — hearts  magnanimous. 
The  Phcebe  far  outmeasures  her  in  power ; 
Our  guns  outnumbering,  thirteen  two  and  four. 
Though  thus  unequal,  never  I'll  refuse 
To  meet  you,  single,  at  what  time  you  choose. 
Hence,  ere  we  mingle  in  the  fight,  you'll  please 
Command  your  consort  distant  o'er  the  seas." 

Hillyar  rejoins  :   "  My  joy  is  with  the  brave, 
Hence,  ship  to  ship  we'll  meet  upon  the  wave.        630 
Tucker,  of  Cherub,  with  the  wind  shall  fly  ; 
My  word  is  pledg'd,  and  on  that  pledge  rely. 

"  See,  she  approaches  with  a  press  of  sail ; 
But,  when  refitted,  she  shall  take  the  gale. 
3    VOL.  n. 


26  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XI. 

And  when  departed  on  the  ocean's  swell, 
A  gun  from  me  the  circumstance  will  tell, 
Then,  I  prepared  shall  be,  to  meet  you  there, 
And  prove  the  virtue  of  the  flags  we  bear." 

The  Briton  spoke  like  honour.     Porter  last, 
While  still  the  Phcebe  to  the  shrouds  was  fast  :      640 

"  I  strict  shall  mark  the  signal  of  attack  ; 
Now  spread  your  square-sails, — take  the  wind  aback, 
While  from  our  cordage,  we  your  vessel  clear, 
That  you  may  anchor  in  the  channel  near. 

"  And  while  in  port,  we'll  friendly  acts  display  ; 
With  Tucker,  come  and  visit  us  to  day. 
We've  all  the  varities  in  season  now, 
Such  as  within  the  southern  tropicks  grow. 
And  wine  of  mellow  age,  our  hearts  to  cheer — 
At  sea  proud  enemies — but  friendship  here."          650 

Hillyar  turn'd  pale,  then  redden'd, — pale,  to  find 
Such  worth  and  boldness  in  his  foe  combin'd ; 
For  though  devoid  of  virtue  was  his  soul, 
He  felt  its  power  to  bend  him  to  control. 
He  stammer'd  to  reply — but  all  in  vain — 
His  failing  tongue  seem'd  fasten'd  with  a  chain. 

A  miser  thus  hard  bolts  his  iron  door, 
Against  a  pressing  stranger — raiment  poor, 
Lest  he  by  chance,  his  homely  fare  should  give, 
Nor  for  the  same,  equivalent  receive  ;  660 

By  long  entreatance  and  the  pelting  storm, 
At  length  he  deigns  to  suffer  him  to  warm  ; 
But  pines  in  moodish  silence  at  his  stay, 
Fearing  he'd  nothing  for  the  night  repay. 
But  when  at  dawn,  the  stranger  quits  his  shed, 
He  more  than  satisfies  for  board  and  bed  ; 


CRUISE  OP  CAfTAIN  PORTER.  27 

The  miser  stands  abash'd  to  mark  the  ore, 
And  chokes,  and  stammers  at  the  creaking  door. 

Thus  Hillyar  stood  and  stammer'd  to  reply, 
His  features  mark'd  with  idiot  vacancy.  670 

Meantime  the  mariners,  on  shrouds  and  mast, 
Loosen  the  Phcebe,  to  the  Essex  fast. 
Some  cords  they  sever,  others  they  belay  ; 
Freed,  she  winds  off  and  anchors  in  the  bay. 
The  Cherub  moors  upon  her  larboard  side, 
Her  flag  reflected  in  the  rippling  tide. 

Tucker,  impatient  to  the  Phcebe  goes 
To  learn  the  cause,  why  neither  came  to  blows  : 

"  1  watch'd  your  movements  with  an  anxious  eye, 
Till  I  beheld  you  with  the  enemy  ;  680 

And  then  I  judg'd,  as  no  deep  engine  roar'd, 
You'd  chang'd  your  plan  and  laid  the  ship  on  board, 
Hence,  wore  I  down,  had  you  my  strength  requir'd, 
To  give  you  succour,  as  you  late  desir'd  ; 
But  think  what  wonder  in  my  bosom  rose, 
To  see  you  friends,  where  I  expected  foes." 

While  Tucker  put  the  question,  Hillyar  stood, 
As  though  the  life  were  taken  from  his  blood. 
Defeated  pride  o'erwhelm'd  him  in  his  shame, 
And  caus'd  a  sweat  to  settle  on  his  frame.  690 

"  Just  in  the  act  to  touch  the  fire — a  gale 
Rush'd  down  the  mountains,  quartering  on  the  sail, 
And  drove  us  on  the  foe  !  who,  at  a  blast, 
Might  ship  and  crew  beneath  the  waters  cast  ; 
But,  by  disguising  what  was  my  design, 
The  ship  I  rescu'd  from  the  strangling  brine. 


28  FREDONIAD.       CANTO    XI. 

"  We'll  put  away  the  theme — descend  below, 
And  moist  the  blood  and  give  it  natural  flow, 
For  now,  I'm  exorcis'd  with  fever-dry  ; 

These  southern  suns  make  English  fibres  fry."         700 

*         #         *         *         *         *         *         *         * 

Three  days  refitting,  they  in  harbour  ride, 
But  on  the  fourth,  their  vessels  trimm'd,  supplied, 
The  grappling  anchors  from  their  beds  they  weigh, 
Just  as  the  orient  purples  with  the  day. 

When  Porter  heard  the  token,  he  express'd 
The  glowing  thoughts  that  harbour'd  in  his  breast  : 

"  Hark — hear  the  whistle  to  the  Albion  crew, 
To  spread  their  sheets,  and  bid  to  peace  adieu  ! 
Soon  will  our  ears  receive  the  signal  gun  ; 
And  see  the  red  flash  o'er  the  waters  run.  710 

"  Now,  now,  my  heroes,  let  no  dampness  chill 
The  heart's  warm  beating  to  subdue  the  will. 
We'll  prove  superior,  though  our  means  are  small, 
And  wrap  their  bodies  in  a  bleeding  pall. 
This  is  the  hour  to  waken  into  flame 
Your  bosoms,  to  ascend  the  steep  of  fame  ; 
Yes,  I  behold  a  spirit  in  your  eye 
To  strike  yon  Cross,  or  find  eternity  !" 

His  voice  inspir'd  the  mariners  with  life, 
To  hear  the  signal  to  begin  the  strife.  720 

As  when  in  theatre  a  numerous  crowd, 
Collected  to  behold  some  action  proud  ; 
A  Warwick  towering  with  a  Shakspeare's  soul, 
Bending  the  will  of  monarchs  to  control  ; 
Or  great  Gustavus,  character 'd  by  Brook, 
Loosing  his  people  from  a  tyrant's  yoke, 


CRUISE  OF  CAPTAIN  PORTER. 

Set  in  impatience  to  observe  the  scene 

Rise  and  unfold  the  mightiest  deeds  of  men  ; 

As  limping  Time  approaches  to  the  hour, 

Attention  stronger  fastens  every  power.  730 

At  length,  the  musick,  with  prelusive  strain, 

Causes  a  thrill  to  dart  through  every  vein  ; 

By  the  sweet  notice  of  the  varying  tune, 

That  the  green  canvass  would  be  lifted  soon. 

So  like  the  musick  was  the  hero's  tongue, 
The  crew  impatient,  felt  their  nerves  new  strung. 

Now  while  the  Phcebe  and  the  Cherub  sail'd, 
With  boist'rous  lungs,  thus  Hillyar,  Tucker  hail'd  : 

"  Be  true  to  what  I've  said.   Bear  from  the  strand — - 
But  mark  you  well,  my  signals  of  command.          740 
Should  I  by  token,  ask  for  your  return, 
You'll  place  the  Cherub  opposite  her  stern." 

Tucker  brief  answer'd  :   "  When  your  signals  fly, 
With  prompt  obedience  will  my  ship  comply." 

This  said,  he  rounds  the  helm  and  shifts  the  sail, 
And  beats  the  ocean  with  a  sidling  gale  ; 
Like  some  huge  whale,  he  foams  along  the  deep, 
Bending  his  eye  upon  the  challeng'd  ship. 

What  time  the  Cherub  parts  the  curling  seas, 
Hillyar,  this  motto  boastingly  displays  :  750 

God  and  our  Country — Traitors,  both  offend — 
For  Rights  of  royal  Britons,  we  contend  ! 

"  Instant  the  signal,  let  the  gun  declare  ! 
And  let  the  Essex  meet  us  if  she  dare  .' 
Now  be  ye  ready  with  a  tide  of  blood, 
Should  she  approach,  to  gulf  her  in  the  flood." 
3*    VOL.  ii. 


FREDONIAD.       CANTO  XI. 

The  moment  Hillyar  the  commandment  spoke, 
The  cannon  pour'd  its  voice  in  cloud  of  smoke  ! 

As  when  a  traveller,  wilder'd  in  defiles, 
Where  no  delighting  form  of  human  smiles,  760 

Through  mazy  windings,  labours  hard  his  way, 
O'er  fens,  o'er  bogs,  where  poisonous  serpents  lay, 
Dejected,  heart-sick — Oft  he  stops  to  hear 
Some  welcome  echo,  to  his  bosom  dear. 
The  frog's  hoarse  croaking,  and  the  adder's  hiss, 
Congeal  his  blood — his  heart  stands  motionless. 
While  thus  despairing,  lo  !  a  well-known  voice 
Breaks  on  his  ear  and  bids  his  soul  rejoice. 
With  throbs  of  ecstacy  his  bosom  starts, 
While  from  his  eye,  an  holy  rapture  darts  :  770 

Such  joy  was  Porter's  when  the  cannon  told 
The  promis'd  time,  his  valour  to  unfold  : 

"  Hearken  !  what  musick"? — Brief  the  anchor  weigh  ! 
Behold  the  signal  blazing  on  the  sea  ! 
The  sound  is  musick  from  the  heavenly  pole — 
The  quickening  flash  is  glory  to  the  soul  ! 
Beyond  this  grovelling  earth,  my  mind  takes  wing  ; 
A  strange  sensation  touches  every  string  ! 
See,  on  the  breath  of  heaven  your  Rights  unfurl'd  ! 
Fame    catch   your   deeds  and  wing   them  round   the 
world  !"  780 

His  words  were  sparkles  of  electrick  fire, 
Which  flam'd  their  thoughts  beyond  this  earth's  desire. 
A  tear  of  transport  floated  in  their  eye, 
Whilst,  God  and  Liberty  I  they  shouted  high. 

Slow  moves  the  Essex,  veil'd  in  solemn  awe, 
Gloomy  as  night  to  hurl  the  bolts  of  war. 


CRUISE    OP   CAPTAIN  ,  PORTER.  31 

Her  look  strikes  terrour  through  the  Briton's  soul  ; 

Hillyar  can  scarce  his  tottering  joints  control. 

His  cheek  turns  pale,  though  clasping  death's  cold  urn  ; 

He  sets  a  flag,  the  Cherub  to  return.  790 

Lo,  as  her  brass,  the  Essex  bears  aside, 

He  slips  his  anchor — bounds  along  the  tide. 

Porter  crowds  sail,  the  chase  to  overtake  ; 
Full  brief  the  Essex  foams  upon  her  wake  ; 
Her  levell'd  engines  bellow  from  her  prow, 
And,  at  the  enemy,  the  chain  balls  throw. 
At  each  explosion,  sail  and  cordage  part  ; 
And  oft  they  search  the  centre  of  her  heart. 

At  length,  the  Cherub  to  her  aid  returns, 

And  each,  whole  broadsides  at  the  Essex  burns  !    800 
********* 

As  when  the  sun  rejoicing  in  his  height, 
Sprinkles  creation  with  empyreal  light  ; 
With  living  brilliance  burnishes  the  whole 
To  nature's  round,  the  essence  and  the  soul  ; 
A  treacherous  cloud  comes  sweeping  o'er  the  ball, 
And  shrouds  his  radiance  in  death's  smothering  pall  ; 
But  soon,  he  musters  to  a  point  his  rays, 
And  breaks  its  darkness  with  effulgent  blaze  : 

So  Porter's,  kindling,  every  bosom  fir'd — 
For  lo,  above  the  earth  his  mind  aspir'd  ;  810 

But  when  the  treachery  of  the  foe  was  seen, 
A  cloud  of  darkness  deepen'd  on  his  mien  ; 
But  rising  soon,  he  swept  the  cloud  away — 
His  features  brighten'd  like  the  god  of  day  ! 

"  Avast  the  ship  !     A  tier  of  engines  roar  ! 
A  treacherous,  dastard  foe  !     The  strife  give  o'er. 


32  PREDONIAD.       CANTO  XI. 

Back  to  the  neutral  anchor-ground  return, 

And,  as  we  sail,  cast  thunder  from  the  stern. 

What  coward  infamy  !     No — never  more, 

I'll  trust  a  Briton  should  his  heart  drop  gore,"       820 

Slow  wears  the  Essex  at  the  order  round, 
While  thrice  the  cannon  with  dire  peal  rebound. 
Her  snowy  canvass  flickers  in  the  wind  ; 
Rustling  it  fills.     She  leaves  her  foes  behind. 

And  now  in  harbour  once  again  she  rides, 
Whilst  every  tongue  the  British  faith  derides. 

Porter    commands:     "  Charge,  charge  the  engines 

deep, 

And  firm  for  action,  each  defender  keep  ; 
The  dastard  Hilly ar,  having  stain'd  his  soul, 
Not  him,  will  oaths  or  neutral  waves  control.          830 
When  man  is  once  to  cowardice  inclin'd, 
He  holds  no  virtue  in  his  grovelling  mind. 
When  eagle  honour  quits  her  empire  here, 
The  soul  runs  waste — a  barren  desert  drear. 

"  Though  that  his  oath  in  solemn  pledge  have  I, 
That  he'd  regard  this  fair  neutrality  ; 
But  what  can  promises  or  oaths  effect, 

When  meanness  'habits  in  the  intellect  ? 

********* 

"  But  look  !  they  cast  their  anchors  oft'  the  strait  ! 
It  seems  they  purpose  for  the  time  to  wait.  840 

"  Now  their  design,  I  apprehend  to  be, 
Is  to  imprison,  bar  us  from  the  sea  ; 
If  their  intention  this, — then  our  design 
Will  be  to  pass,  and  gain  the  ocean's  brine. 
With  ease  we'll  fly  them  when  the  offer's  given, 
By  breezes  springing  from  the  gate  of  heaven." 


CRUISE    OP    CAPTAIN    PORTER.  33 

While  Porter  jealous  of  his  enemies, 
Tucker,  (his  vessel  moor'd,)  to  Hillyar  hies, 
To  learn  the  motive  why  his  vessel  run  : 

"  Scarce  you  with  fire,  gave  motion  to  a  gun  ;     850 

Why  from  the  Essex" 

"  Essex  !  what  of  her  ? 
Are  you  empower'd  to  act  as  arbiter  1 
Full  well  I  comprehend  my  sovereign's  will, 
And  shall  perform  it — every  part  fulfil. 
Hence,  to  your  vessel  and  my  signs  attend, 

For  I  shall  nothing  of  my  plans  rescind. 

********* 

"  But  stay — I  purpose  to  confine  him  here  ; 
Never  again  he  swims  the  ocean  clear. 
Close  we'll  imprison — bind  him  to  the  shore, 
Till  he  submiss  the  royal  flag  adore,"  860 

Tucker  in  friendship  readily  rejoins  : 
"  This  mode  of  warfare  answers  my  designs. 
But  heard  you  not  the  monarch's  last^  remark, 
That  we  should  strict  observe  them  ii^  the  dark, 
O  r  they  might  shun  us  by  their  gifted  sight 
To  wind  their  way,  when  heaven  is  spread  with  night : 
This  naught  avails  him — should  by  day  he  dare, 
Soon  would  he  find  his  vessel  in  the  air. 

"  As  we  in  number  twice  exceed  his  force, 
For  us,  how  easy  to  obstruct  his  course  ;  870 

But  as,  divided,  we  command  this  power, 
'Tis  equal  triple,  if  not  one  to  four." 

Thus  Tucker.     Hillyar  thus  :    "  I  grant  with  you, 
Our  obvious  strength  is  triple  to  the  foe  ; 
But  well  I  mark'd  the  Essex  in  her  ire, 
To  once  of  ours,  exploded  thrice  her  fire  ; 


34  FREDONIAD.       CANTO  XI. 

Hence,  when  that  we  our  real  strength  compare, 

Not  so  unequal  our  divisions  are, 

Therefore  shall  I  all  methods  exercise, 

Through  least  of  danger  to  effect  the  prize.  880 

"  Tagus,  Plantagenet,  Carnation, — these, 
I  apprehend  are  in  the  neighbouring  seas  ; 
When  they  arrive  with  all  their  armament, 
Without  resistance,  will  her  flag  be  rent." 

Thus  they  on  board  the  Hillyar-ship  converse, 
And  plans  of  conquest  with  themselves  rehearse. 

Now  night  succeeds  to  day,  and  day  to  night, 
While  the  fam'd  Essex,  by  superior  might, 
Is  barr'd  in  close  imprisonment  to  port, 
Without  a  gale  to  make  the  bold  effort  890 

To  pass  the  enemy.     But  Porter,  true, 
Keeps  brac'd  in  heart  the  valour  of  his  crew ; 
Though  thus  to  be  confin'd  upon  the  flood, 
Would  bring  a  dampness  on  the  best  of  blood, 
But  yet  the  mariner  with  cheerful  air, 
Breaks  short  the  leaden  sceptre  of  despair. 

At  length,  the  forty -second  dawn  appears 
With  winds  tempestuous,  from  the  southern  spheres  ; 
Fierce  from  the  Cape,  where  infant  storms  abide, 
And  issue  forth  to  chafe   the  western  tide.  900 

Porter  with  gladness  congregates  his  crew, 
While  the  winds  rushing  to  the  ocean  blew. 
The  quickening  impulse  to  the  seamen  given, 
Was  like  a  visit  from  the  sons  of  heaven  : 

"  Proud  swell  the  heart  !  Our  fame  is  not  yet  done  ! 
Mark,  mark  the  chafing  billows  how  they  run  ! 


CRUISE    OP    CAPTAIN   PORTER.  35 

Hsste — heave  the  biting  anchors  from  the  clay  ! 
Mates  !  spring  aloft — the  ready  sheets  display  ! 
Hearken  ! — the  starboard  cable  is  in  twain  ! 
The  vessel  drags  the  larboard  to  the  main  !  910 

Popitious  omen  ! — touching  to  the  soul  ! 
The  sheets  give  to   the  wind  ! — let   every   heart  be 
whole  !" 

Th'  impatient  seaboys  take  the  word  like  fire  ; 
Quick  catching  at  the  rattlings  they  aspire  ; 
Loosen  the  sails  and  spread  them  to  the  breeze, 
To  drive  the  vessel  darting  through  the  seas  : 

The  main-sails  first,  with  hollow  sound  unfold, 
And  then,  the  angling  jibs,  the  fierce  winds  hold  ; 
The  top-sails — then,  top-gallant-sails  appear, 
Like  silver  clouds  unfolding  in  the  sphere.  920 

The  ship  like  lightning  through  the  water  flies  : 
"  Take  in  the  gallant-top-sails  !''  Porter  cries, 
"Reef,  reef  the  jib-sheets.     To  the  windward  steer, 
Double  the  point,  and  gain  the  ocean  clear  !"' 

His  brief  instructions  rapidly  were  done, 
While  foaming  high  the  bounding  vessel  run. 
She  seems  a  cloud  dark-flying  on  a  storm, 
While  lightning  fires  augment  its  awful  form. 
Like  this,  the  Essex  through  the  mad  wave  flies, 
To  gain  the  sea  beyond  her  enemies.  930 

The  Britons  gaze — and  shrink  before  their  fears  ; 
They  ply  their  anchors,  as  the  ship  appears  ; 
She  looks  a  whale  of  ocean  in  her  path, 
Tossing  the  billows  to  the  clouds  in  wrath. 

While  thus  terrifick  round  the  point  she  flew, 
A  mad  tornado  from  the  mountains  blew  ; 


36  FREDOXIAD.       CANTO    XI. 

A  monster  howling  in  its  fury  driven, 
With  all  the  strength  collected  under  heaven — 
Loud  rushing,  roaring,  thundering,  drove  the  blast — 
Down  crackling,  crashing,  fell  her  shiver'd  mast  !  940 

*         *         *         *         *         *   .     #         *         * 

As  when  that  Fancy,  in  a  midnight  dream, 
Translates  the  soul  and  opens  it,  a  gleam 
Of  blissful  Paradise — which  wraps  its  gaze, 
Delighted  in  a  trance  of  ecstacies  ; 
Lo,  as  she*  bears  it  to  the  gate  of  heaven, 
About  to  open  an  admittance  given, 
She  plunges  down  to  hell  and  brings  from  thence, 
A  form  to  drive  the  vision'd  glory  hence, 
Grim  as  a  goblin,  by  the  moon  half  seen, 
Setting  on  graves,  where  murderers  had  been  !         950 
Which  seizing  at  the  soul  with  sunken  eye, 
Transforms  its  raptures  into  agony : 

Such  feelings  thrill'd  the  veins  of  Porter  brave, 
As  proud  his  vessel  bounded  on  the  wave  ; 
Such,  and  so  sudden  was  his  joy  subdu'd, 
When  down  the  sky-mast  thunder'd  in  the  flood. 

At  length  his  voice  was  heard  :  "  Ruin'd — undone  ! 
The  helm's  alee  ! — back  to  the  harbour  run  ! 
From  ruins  free  the  ship  !     Let  none  despair  ! 
Luff,  luff  to  wind,  nor  let  the  vessel  wear  !  960 

Away,  lads  !  bear  away — vast  !  right — she's  right  ! 
Flame  the  guns  aft  and  give  her  running  fight  !" 

Fleet  as  sounds  travel  through  the  hollow  air, 
The  ship  was  trimm'd — her  stern  guns  lumber 'd  war. 
And  while  they  cast  their  bolts  along  the  main, 
The  crippled  Essex  sought  the  port  again. 

*  Fancy. 


CBUISE    OF    CAPTAIN    PORTER.  37 

The  crew,  in  three  ships'  distance  from  the  shore, 

In  neutral  anchorage  their  vessel  moor, 

And  fall  to  labour,  like  excited  fire, 

To  cause  another  mast  to  heaven  aspire.  970 

Now  when  the  Albion  saw  the  ruin  fall, 
Cautious  they  wore,  and  drove  a  distant  ball. 

Hillyar  commands  :  "  Down  on  the  vessel  bear, 
And  show  what  we  in  naval  action  are  ! 
Let  each  be  ready  at  the  signal  call, 
At  far-off  distance  to  elance  the  ball. 
Though  that  the  ship  is  crippled  of  a  mast, 
Yet  may  her  guns  be  terrible  in  blast. 

"  I  not  these  neutral  waters  will  regard  ; 
But  seize  the  happy  moment  of  reward  ;  980 

Yes  ;  power   gives   right — this   truth   our    sovereign 

knows, 
And  justifies  all  methods  with  his  foes. 

"  What  though  my  oath  I  counterfeit  did  pledge, 
That  not  in  harbour  I'd  the  battle  wage  ; 
And  what  are  oaths  ?  as  gossamer,  or  down, 
When  great  advantage  on  our  side  is  known, 
And  know  ye  not,  'tis  sanctified  by  laws, 
That  oaths  bind  not  from  terrifying  cause  ; 
Hence,  I'menfranchis'd  from  that  pledge  of  late, 
For  then,  a  hair  but  held  us  from  our  fate.  990 

Our  ship  was  like  an  infant  in  their  power  ; 
The  oath  preserv'd  us  in  that  desperate  hour. 

"  No   more.     The  sheets   take  in.     With   caution 

turn, 
And  at  fair  distance  settle  on  her  stern  ; 

4     VOL.  II. 


38  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XI. 

Level  the  balls  to  strike  her  life-ribs  through, 
And  let  her  sides  be  crimson'd  with  her  crew." 

He  gave  his  thoughts.     His  mariners  rejoice 
To  find  a  distant  action  was  his  choice, 
For  though  unmasted  by  the  whirlwind  dire, 
Inward  they  dread  the  waking  of  her  ire. 

The  trumpet  HilJyar  plies  with  swelling  cheeks, 
And  thus  to  Tucker  of  the  Cherub  speaks  : 

"  Cherub  !  attend  !  see  every  part  be  clear  f 
Prepare  for  battle  with  your   strength    severe  ! 
Charge  deep  and   prime  your  cannon  for  the  blow  ; 
Cast  your  spring  anchors  opposite  her  bow  ; 
Kindle  your  matches,  let  them  smouldering  burn  ; 
I  at  fair  distance  blaze  upon  her  stern." 

Tucker  replied  :  "  To  me  your  word  is  law  ; 
My  every  brass  is  ready  for  the  war."  1010 

The   shores  around   and  neighbouring  heights   are 

seen, 

And  house-tops,  balconies,  with  crowds  of  men, 
In  breathless  silence,  gazing  on  the  stream, 
To  mark  the  lightnings  of  the  conflict  gleam. 
Their  souls,  their  hearts,  their  every  fibre  feel 
A  cold  ice  terror  for  the  Essex  weal  ; 
The  slightest  motion  of  the  vessel  proves 
A  mark'd  attention  ;  if  a  haulyard  moves, 
Or  a  sail  flutters,  every  bended  eye, 
With  prying  look,  enquires  the  reason  why.  1020 

Porter,  at  once,  their  dastard  purpose  scann'd, 
And  thus  a  moment  he  address'd  his  band  : 


CRUISE    OF    CAPTAIN   PORTER.  39 

"  Behold  the  foe  comes  bearing  for  the  storm  ! 
Now  prove  what  hearts  of  valour  can  perform  ! 
Though  they  our  ship  outmeasure,  three  to  one, 
We'll  draw  their  blood  before  the  fight  is  done. 
Behold  what  thousands  crowd  the  summits  high  ! 
Now  show  the  manner  that  the  brave  can  die  !" 

As  brief  he  clos'd,  the  ships  began  to  burn  ; 
One  on  the  bow, — the  other  on  the  stern.  1030 


CANTO  XII. 


PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OF  THE 

ESSEX. 


ARGUMENT. 

Transactions     of   the    Infernal    powers. ...The    Defence     of  the 

Essex. 
The    scene  is  laid   on  the  White  Mountains  and  at  Valparaiso.... 

The  book   commences    at    midnight  preceding  the  attack,  and 

closes  with  the  action,  which  continues  two  hours  and  twenty-six 

minutes. 


FREDONIAD. 


CANTO  XII. 

THE  Muse  must  leave  the  battle  in  its  flame 
To  show  the  movements  of  th'  infernal  name ; 
For  they,  unceasing,  exercis'd  their  art 
To  break  the  chain  of  Unity  apart  ; 
A  chain,  when  sundered,  nothing  can  unite, 
The  Star  of  Freedom  will  be  quench'd  in  night. 

Now,  in  night-season,  previous  to  the  day 
That  Porter  strove  to  gain  the  open  sea, 
The  Fiend,  involv'd  in  double  darkness  deep, 
Convok'd  his  agents  on  the  rude  cliffs'  steep.    (        10 
They  rose,  like  clouds  of  smoke  at  signal  given  ; 
A  flash  of  hell  from  either  eye-ball  driven. 

At  times,  the  Fiend  betray'd  an  outward  air, 
Which  show'd  a  bosom  canker'd  with  its  care  : 
Since  Freedom's  Goddess  on  the  ocean  came, 
His  heart  had  felt  a  secret  smouldering  flame, 
Yet  with  deep  art,  he  kept  the  pain  conceal'd, 
Lest  it  should  bend  the  sceptre  which  he  held  : 

Not  otherwise  the  monarchs  of  the  earth, 
To  keep  obscur'd  the  weakness  of  their  birth,  20 


44  PREDONIAD.      CANTO  XII. 

Assume  a  robe  of  artificial  guise, 
As  though  their  race  descended  from  the  skies  ; 
But  Wisdom  comes, — strips  off  their  spider-dress, 
And  brings  to  view  their  native  nakedness. 

So  the  Infernal,  with  a  proud  effort, 
Kept  his  mind  fix'd  upon  a  regal  port  ; 
But  oft  unguarded,  would  he  raise  his  eye, 
As  though  he  fear'd  some  terror  from  the  sky. 
His  heart  misgiving,  told  him  to  repair 
Beneath  the  mountain, — from  the  upper  air.  30 

Thus  a  deserter  from  the  ranks  of  fame, 
Enroll'd  with  Albion  his  detested  name  ; 
From  Queenstown  battlements,  he  marks  sublime 
The  Freedom  Star,  that  gilds  his  native  clime. 
The  sight  in  secret  preys  upon  his  heart, 
His  eye  depress'd,  reveals  the  inward  smart ; 
He  pines  with  fever  to  be  led  afar, 
Beyond  the  radiance  of  th'  upbraiding  Star. 

So  the  Deserter  from  the  ranks  of  heaven, 
The  time  Fredonia  to  his  sight  was  given,  40 

Perceiv'd  a  gnawing  at  his  heart  severe, 
As  though  transfix'd  with  her  celestial  spear. 
Yet,  he  began  with  consequential  pride 
To  bolster  up  the  royals  by  his  side  : 

"  Proud  agency  of  hell  !  great  was  the  art, 
That  Lawrence  bow'd  to  death — his  vessel  wreck'd. 
Beside  this  naval  conquest  on  the  flood, 
Other  achievements  animate  Our  blood  : 
Undying  honours  crown  Our  royal  son, 
Proctor  the  great  !  who,  when  his  race  is  run          50 
On  this  terrene,  in  hell  shall  overseer 
The  damn'd  of  the  infernal  hemisphere; 


PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OP  THE  ESSEX.  45 

But  We  design  to  practise  him  on  earth 
A  time  some  longer,  ere  We  call  him  forth. 

"  'Twas  known  in  hell,  full  thirty  years  or  more, 
That  Cruelty,  who  lash'd  with  scorpions  sore 
The  souls  confin'd  in  chains,  was  sent  a  spy 
To  scourge  Columbia,  till  her  name  should  die. 

"  Soon  We  perceiv'd  that  those  of  Albion  blood 
Excell'd  his  art  to  torture  on  the  flood  ;  60 

Hence,  as  that  hell  was  empty  of  the  place, 
Sudden  he  thought  to  mingle  with  the  race, 
That  one  might  be  created  to  supply 
The  station,  occupied  by  Cruelty. 

"  With  this  intent  from  hell's  wide  gate  We  flew, 
Keeping  the  coast  of  Labrador  in  view. 
Like  flame,  up-leaping,  soon  We  reach'd  the  cape  ; 
There  took  We  lineaments  of  human  shape. 
We  wander'd  south  along  a  broken  waste, 
To  find  an  object  suited  to  Our  taste.  70 

Not  small  the  numbers  hearken'd  to  Our  love, 
For  where  is  woman,  but  soft  note  will  move  ? 

"  At  length  We  found  her  in  a  narrow  dell, 
Though  not  in  beauty  did  her  form  excel  ; 
Searching  she  was  the  favourite  of  the  flock, 
Which  far  had  wander'd  from  the  sheltering  rock. 
She  look'd,  in  waning  eye,  beyond  her  years  ; 
A  bloody  ichor  floated  down  for  tears  ; 
Her  forehead  swell'd  in  ridges  like  the  sea  ; 
Her  nose  a  promontory,  form'd  a  bay,  80 

In  which  her  red  eyes  swam.     On  either  side, 
Her  cheeks  shrunk  back  and  left  her  mouth  full  wide 
Invading  on  her  ears.     Her  mouldering  teeth 
Were  half  consum'd,  by  reason  of  her  breath  ; 


46  FREDONIAD.       CANTO  XII. 

Which  to  the  smell  a  stronger  poison  gave, 
Than  the  green  nostril  of  the  rotten  grave. 

"  Soft  We  approach'd,  and  call'd  her  wond'rous  fair  ; 
At  which  she  smil'd — past  hell  her  hideous  air  ! 
Our  aid  the  lamb  We  proffer'd  her  to  find, 
Which  she  accepted  with  a  willing  mind.  90 

With  oily  periods  and  light  amorous  play, 
We  loiter'd  careless  o'er  the  woody  way  ; 
We  sigh'd,  then  whisper'd,  then  impress'd  her  hand, 
Which  seem'd  in  fever,  like  a  hell-lit  brand. 

"  At  length,  We  happen'd  at  a  cedar  grove  ; 
And  Proctor  prov'd  the  subject  of  Our  love. 

"In  the  brief  compass  of  nine  moons  and   one, 
Our  promis'd  offspring  gaz'd  upon  the  sun  ; 
His  mother  nurs'd  him  for  as  many  more, 
From  breasts  distilling  blood  combin'd  with  gore.  100 
And  then  she  fed  him  on  the  things  of  earth, 
Abhorr'd  by  all,  save  those  had  hell  at  birth. 

"  He  grew  apace — and  while  but  yet  a  youth, 
Ways  he  contriv'd  to  torture  life,  uncouth. 
'Twould  pierce  a  fury's  callous  heart  with  pain, 
Should  We  his  moods  of  cruelty  explain. 

"  But  where  of  late  he  testified  his  blood, 
Was  at  the  Massacre  at  Raisin's  flood  ; 
This  reckless  slaughter  will  exalt  his  name 
To  royal  honours  in  the  world  of  flame.  110 

"  Now  when  his  murder  in  this  war  is  done, 
We  shall  in  hell  demand  Our  favourite  son. 
Each  day,  he  grows  more  pleasing  in  Our  eye  ; 
Worthy  his  sire,  and  mother  Infamy. 

"  These  proud  events  Our  feelings  render  glad, 
But  she,  that  circles  heaven,  affects  Us  sad. 


PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OF  THE  ESSEX.  47 

Lawrence  she  met  with  rainbow  cloud,  and  bore 
His  soul  enfranchis'd  to  th'  empyreal  shore. 
Curse  on  her  form  !  she  may  in  lightning  come 
With  power  divine,  and  all  Our  hopes  deplume.         J20 

"  But   why    these  doubts  1    why  shrink  1 — Single, 

not  We 

Would  shrink  to  meet  in  arms  her  enmity. 
From  this,  Our  hand,  a  bolt  of  thunder  hurl'd, 
W'ould  shrive  her  spear  and  drive  her  from  the  world. 

"  Does  not  New-Albion  aid  Us  in  the  work  ? 
And  soon  with  gold  will  We  dissever  York. 
These  States  at  Hartford,  in  Convention  still, 
Will  meet — the  Union  secretly  to  kill  ; 
And  Maryland  appears  a  wavering  tide, 
Doubting,  to  learn  what  manner  to  decide.  130 

When  vacillating  thus  a  People  stand, 
Th'  event  is  sure — they  do  as  We  command. 
Our  labours  thicken  fast.     The  State  of  Maine 
Must  be  divided  from  the  Union  chain  ; 
She  stands  alone — Our  friends  on  every  side 
To  hem  her  in,  her  strength  to  subdivide. 

"  But  future,  by  some  casualty  unknown, 
Should  W"e,  of  States  be  rifled,  now  Our  own  ; 
Those,  that  renounce  their  Freedom  for  a  Throne, — 
For  not  the  powers  of  earth,  or  air,  or  sea,  140 

Can  tell  the  chance  of  war's  uncertainty, — 
Hence,  to  be  furnish'd,  ready  for  defeat, 
We'll  forth  provide  a  cavern  to  retreat. 
And  should  the  powers  of  heaven  prevail  with  art, 
(The  thought  of  which  is  distant  from  Our  heart) 
We'll  plan  an  earthquake,  ruinous  to  raise, 
To  whelm  the  States  and  snatch  them  from  the  skies. 


48  FREDONIAD.       CANTO   XII. 

"  We  purpose  now  to  journey  round  the  earth, 
To  mark  through  all  its  realms  what  passes  forth.' 
Rise,  harness  for  the  labour — drive  the  work  ;          150 
At  change  of  noon,  I  shall  return  by  York." 

Stately  he  rose,  when  he  the  order  spoke  ; 
The  mountain  felt  it,  and  with  terror  shook. 
His  form  assum'd  the  lightness  of  a  cloud, 
Which    wrapp'd   the    gloomy  heights    in    grave-cloth 

shroud ; 

His  arm  was  like  a  pillar  on  the  sea, 
Form'd  by  the  gathering  of  humidity  ; 
His  hand  was  like  th'  appearance  of  a  ghost, 
That  haunts  the  ruins  of  a  ship-wreck  coast.  159 

His  eyes  were  two  mock  moons,  broad,  sickly,  dim, 
When  deep    through  murky  clouds,   they   wandering 


The  monarch  having  pass'd, — the  Stygian  bands 
Commenc'd  the  cavern  with  their  giant  hands  ; 
Earth  groan'd  with  dying  pangs  ; — so  vast  their  toil. 
It  made  the  fluid  of  their  hearts  to  boil. 

So  when  the  Fulton  is  intent  to  keep, 
'Gainst  wind  and  tide,  her  course  upon  the  deep. 
She  feeds  her  furnace  to  a  glassy  heat, 
Causing   her  boilers  in  their  rage  to  beat ; 
To  rush  her  engine  with  increase  of  power,  1 70 

And  bear  her  forth  against  the  ocean's  roar. 
Soon  the  pent  waters  feel  th'  augmented  fire, 
And  with   a  madded  violence  aspire, 
Threatening  to  break  their  prison  with  a  burst, 
And  hurl  the  stately  vessel  into  dust. 


PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OF  THE  ESSEX.  49 

Thus,  by  their  toil,  th'  infernal  bosoms  chafe 
With  such  commotion,  as  not  life  is  safe 
Within  the  compass  of  their  breath  to  stay, 
For  fear  the  boilers  in  their  breasts  give  way. 

But  Idleness,  despisable  in  hell,  18® 

Lingers  behind,  and  strives  their  heat  to  quell, 
Contriving  different  means  the  toil  to  shun, 
For  whom  'tis  grief  to  move  a  pebble  stone  : 
While  each  hard  sweats  with  labour  at  a  strain, 
He  quits  his  hold — excuse,  his  breath  to  gain. 
The  half-pois'd  rock  descends  with  crashing  sound — 
Full  many  a  fiend  disjointing  in  the  ground. 
But  lo,  they  quicken  from  the  pressing  death, 
And  rise  from  out  the  prisoning  rock  beneath  ; 
Such  the  mysterious  habit  of  their  frame,  190 

They  wake  to  life,  like  Phoenix  from  the  flame. 

Still,  by  excuses,  he  avoids  the  toil, 
Yet  oft  he  puts  the  others  in  a  broil. 
At  length,  they  sought  a  momentary  rest  ; 
He  seiz'd  the  time,  and  thus  his  thoughts  express'd : 

"  Sweet  friends  !  your  benefit,  and  not  my  own, 
Has  often  made  me  suffer  from  the  Throne  ; 
But  yet,  most  fervent  in  my  breast  I  feel, 
Base  it  would  be  to  fly  the  publick  weal. 

"  With  this  desire  I  nothing  can  conceive,  200 

Why,  for  convenience,  we  should  not  relieve 
Our  wearied  natures  1     Why,  with  toil  thus  burn  ? 
Not  till  the  moon  the  monarch  will  return. 
Alternate  spies  can  watch  his  coming  forth  ; 
A  thousand  cubits  have  we  dug  in  earth, 
Hence  we,  secure,  our  efforts  can  delay, 
Till  the  last  glimmer  of  th'  appointed  day  ; 
5    VOL.  ii. 


50  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XII. 

Then,  ere  his  Majesty  in  wrath  shall  come, 
We,  in  full  strength,  our  slavery  can  resume." 

At  first  they  doubted — dreading  to  comply  ;        210 
But  soon  they  rid  them  of  timidity  : 
A  part  retire  and  stretch  them  at  their  ease  ; 
Others,  avidious,  the  occasion  seize 
To  join  in  tournament — to  wrestle,  dance — 
Or  with  a  shield  to  exercise  the  lance. 

Ere  the  return  of  day's  bright  harbinger, 
The  Fiend  came  sweeping,  exercis'd  with  care  ! 
The  earth  was  shaken  in  his  passing  forth, 
As  though  the  storms  were  loosen'd  from  the  north. 
Anxious  at  heart  to  make  the  labour  burn,  220 

Was  the  main  reason  of  his  swift  return  ; 
Trusting  to  Proctor  to  conduct  the  strife, 
Whose  only  joy  was  in  the  wreck  of  life. 

He  finds  his  subjects, — part  upon  the  ground, 
Lost  in  their  sleep — a  part,  with  cedar  crown'd, 
Dancing  to  musick,  form'd  by  shaking  bones- 
White  human  skulls, — in  which  were  pebble  stones  ! 

As  when  the  lake  of  the  infernal  world 
Is  by  the  tempest-cloud  tumultuous  hurl'd, 
Billows  on  billows  toss'd  with  surging  fire,  230 

The  damn'd  in  pain,  endeavouring  to  expire  : 

So  like  the  billows  of  the  lake,  the  crew 
Rose  in  their  terror  at  the  interview  ; 
Wedg'd  in  confusion,  toss'd  from  side  to  side, 
Their  every  eyeball  stretch'd  convulsive  wide ; 
As  when  a  maniack  in  his  fit  finds  death, 
Such  was  their  look  ! — forgetting  they  had  breath. 

The  monarch  seiz'd  upon  a  scourge  of  wire, 
Such  as  had  made  our  mariners  expire, 


PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OF  THE  ESSEX.  51 

Whilst  corded,  cruel,  to  the  Albion  mast,  240 

Pleading  their  Freedom,  till  they  groan'd  their  last  : 
Such  a  damn'd  whip  the  madded  Tyrant  fell, 
With  grin  severe,  applied  upon  their  hell. 
At  every  stroke  gush'd  forth  a  tide  of  gore, 
Burning  and  black,  while  stood  on  every  pore 
A  drop  of  blood,  excited  by  the  pain, 
Which  kept  their  eyeballs  bursting  on  a  strain. 

"  What   means  this  breaking  of  commands  ?"    He 

spoke, 

Distant  it  seem'd  his  tongue  had  thunder  broke  ! 
His  subjects  shrunk  in  terror  from  his  sight  ;          250 
His  very  breath  turn'd  horrible  the  night. 

"  If  from  Our  mandate  ever  that  ye  dare, 
By  pillars,  propping  of  deep  hell,  we  swear, 
From  this  shall  each  without  a  wing  be  hurl'd 
To  check  his  falling  to  the  nether  world  ! 
Or  in  the  surging  lake  unceasing  burn  ; 
Or  chain'd  in  ice,  thence  never  to  return  !" 

He  ended  frowning.     To  their  giant  size, 
From  whence  they'd  shrunk,  like  dash'd-up   flames, 

they  rise, 

And  to  the  sinking  of  the  cavern  hie,  260 

Jarring  the  mountain  like  an  earthquake  nigh. 
In  solid  mass  they  loose  the  earth's  deep  base, 
As  though  its  whole  foundations  they'd  displace  ; 
They  break  it  into  parts  and  hurl  it  high, 
The  wonders  past  of  ages  to  outvie. 

As  when  Archemides  of  Syracuse 
Engines  invented  for  his  country's  use, 
Which  drove  unwieldy  rocks  upon  the  foe, 
And  crowded  vessels  shiver'd  at  a  blow  ; — 


52  PREDON1AD.      CANTO  XII. 

Or  by  the  lever,  or  the  winding  screw,  270 

Seiz'd  from  the  deep  a  fighting  ship  and  crew, 
Whirling  it  round,  a  spinning-top  in  air. 
The  dizzy  seamen  fainting  in  despair. 

With  the  same  ease,  th'  infernal  agents  throw 
The  mountain-rocks  from  out  the  pit  below. 
One  breaks  the  mass — another,  on  the  wing, 
Grasps,  and,  at  straining  with  a  desperate  fling, 
Hurls  it  aloft — another,  plac'd  on  high, 
Keeps  it  in  motion  with  rapidity  ; 
Another,  ready  with  his  strength  immense,  280 

Drives  it  beyond  with  burning  violence. 
Lo,  by  this  art,  so  rapid  they  aspire, 
They  heat,  and  smoke,  and  kindle  into  fire  ; 
So  thick  are  they,  as  in  a  whirlwind  sent, 
It  seems  like  ^Etnain  the  firmament. 

At  length  the  fiends  produce  unusual  sound, 
As  with  their  sledges  on  the  rocks  they  pound  ; 
They  hear — and  stop  their  labour  with  surprise, 
To  learn  the  cause  from  whence  the  echoes  rise. 

"  And   what,"  (the   monarch  thus)    "  what   damps 

your  brow  ?  290 

Dastards  !  give  backward  ! — Earthquakes  are  below." 

This  said.     He  seiz'd  upon  a  sledge  of  weight — 
Poiz'd  it  on  high  with  horrid  joy  elate, 
And  round  and  round,  he  swung  it  with  a  whir, 
Huge  as  the  summit  of  a  mountain  spur. 
Its  helve  was  fashion'd  of  the  stoutest  oak, 
That  ever  fell  beneath  the  woodman's  stroke. 
With  straining  backward, — resting  on  his  right> 
His  left  toe  touching  on  the  surface  light, 


PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OF  THE  ESSEX.  53 

The  heel  bent  outward  from  his  body,  round          300 

He  struck ! — the  rocks   crack'd   crashing  with  a  thun 
der  sound. 

Earth,  reeling,  groan'd  through  all  her  caves  beneath, 

Sweating  cold  dampness — cold  as  ooze  of  death  ! 

Down   horrid  sunk  the  Fiend  !    down,  down,   deep 
down, 

From   day's  first  beam,  till   high   on  _heaven's  arch'd 
crown 

The  gold  sun  stood  !  two  thousand  leagues  or  more  ; 

His  iron  skull  a  rock  in  fragments  tore  ! 

Like  Pilot's  Tower,*  o'erthrown  by  earthquake  storm, 

His  whole  vast  length  lies  stretch'd  out  huge  in  form. 

His  eyes  swim  glaring  in  a  vacant  gaze  ;  310 

His  mind  is  lost  in  labyrinthian  maze. 

At  length,  recovering  as  from  broken  sleep, 

His  voice  resounded  through  the  hollow  deep  : 

"  Give   way  to   swing  the  sledge  !     What  damps 
your  brow"? 

Retire  !  behold  an  earthquake  is  below  ! 

We'll  break  its  hollow  sides  ! — What,  do  you  feign, 

As  though  your  ears  so  delicate,  felt  pain 

To  hear  the  earth  groan  out  ?     'Tis  musick  rare, 

If  We  its  note  to  uproar'd  hell  compare.  319 

Stand — hear  it  ! — it  explodes  ! 

"  What  !  sunk  to  hell  ! 

When  left  the  earth  ?     It  seems  a  wizard  spell  ! 

Which]  way — from    whence  ?     Why  whirls  this  dark 
ness  round  ? 

Can  this  be  other  than  deep  hell  profound  ? 

*  Mountain  in  North-Carolina. 

5*      VOL,   II. 


54  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  Xll. 

Our  nostrils,  sure,  familiar  brimstone  smell — 
Black  as  Death's  chamber  !  'tis — it  must  be  hell  ! 
But  where,  and  when  did  We  1 — Our  head  whirls  o'er  ; 
Mysterious  maze  !  beyond  my  reasoning  power. 
And  what's  that  light,  which  glimmers  from  the  north  ? 
The  light  of  hell  from  southern  zone  breaks  forth  ! 
Attended  ever  with  a  deafening  sound,  530 

But  still  as  Death's  vault  is  this  deep  profound. 
A  labyrinth  ! — We  know  not  what  to  think — 
Our  mind  is  like  a  chain  with  broken  link. 

"  The  last  that  We  remember  was  the  rock, 
Which,  when  it  broke,  gave  earth  a  reeling  shock. 
And  was  it  then  that  We  from  thence  was  hurl'd, 
By  wrath  of  heaven,  to  this  infernal  world  1 

"  We'll  pause  to   gain    Our  mind,  which  seems  to 

stray, 
The  more  We  reason,  from  the  truth  away. 

###***#*# 

"  Not  otherwise  indeed  !  We  broke  the  shell,     340 
And  through  the  centre  of  the  earth  We  fell  ! 

"  Sublime  disclosure  ! — how  my  thoughts  elate  ! 
Here  We,  as  though  in  hell,  can  smile  at  fate, 
Remote  from  heaven  and  heaven's  unwelcome  light, 
Which  by  its  blaze  gives  anguish  to  the  sight. 

"  We'll  search  this  dungeon  never  known  before — 
Hark  !  whence  proceeds  this  far-off  lumbering  roar  ?" 

His  pinions  open'd  with  a  heavy  swell, 
(Which  time  allow'd  not,  when  through  earth  he  fell); 
Onward  he  travers'd  with  dilated  eye  350 

Wide  as  the  circle  in  a  midnight  sky, 
When  in  eclipse  the  moon  half  veils  her  form, 
By  which  the  manner  forebodes  a  storm. 


PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OP  THE  ESSEX.  55 

He  meets  a  vacuum,  and  with  fluttering  falls, 
And,  lizard-like,  with  effort  hard  he  crawls. 

While  thus  he  grovell'd  on — half  day, — half  night, 
A  distant  something  riveted  his  sight : 
And  now  it  stopp'd,  and  now  again  it  mov'd, 
Which  action  vital  in  the  substance  prov'd. 
Cautious,  he  gain'd  upon  the  object  slow,  360 

That  more  distinct  its  lineaments  might  show. 
Soft  in  concealment  he  approach'd  it  nigh, 
Then  sudden  rose  in  wild  deformity  ! 
So  sulphur 'd  nitre  slumbers  in  the  dark, 
Till  sharp  it  feels  the  animating  spark, 
When  lo,  it  quickens  with  combustion  dire, 
Flashing  to  view  the  horrible  of  fire  : 

Thus  rose  the   Fiend  ! — The   stranger   caught  his 
eye, 

And  stood,  a  time  unable  to  reply. 

********* 

"  God  of  this  darkness  !  thou  my  life  but  save,  370 
And  I  will  kneel  and  be  to  thee  a  slave  ! 

"  I  made  inquiry  at  the  north  for  thee, 
To  be  directed  to  thy  Royalty, 
To  kiss  thy  hand — thy  Majesty  adore, 
And  crave  of  thee,  these  regions  to  explore  ; 
But  thou  wert  absent.     Now,  alas,  I  find, 
My  life  is  forfeit  by  impatient  mind  ! 
Accept  of  me,  a  slave  !     Years  five  and  ten 
I've  wander'd  here  remote  from  heaven  and  men. 
Perhaps,  this  calculation  may  be  large,  380 

For  when  a  train  of  miseries  surcharge 
The  human  breast,  a  moment  is  a  day — 
A  year  seems  bordering  to  the  earth's  decay. 


56  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XII. 

My  compass  travers'd  not,  and  hence,  I've  wound, 

Lost  in  a  wilderness  of  error  round, 

My  life  sustaining  on  the  nascent  forms, 

Of  creeping  things — the  rudiments  of  worms. 

"  Once  in  a  cavern  I  beheld  a  light, 
Which  seem'd  to  lead  me  from  this  world  of  night ; 
I  enter'd  through  a  fissure  in  the  rock  ;  390 

But  O,  what  language  can  describe  the  shock  ! 
It  prov'd  a  charnel-house,  where  death  was  seen 
In  every  stage,  from  infants  up  to  men  ! 
Their  pallid  robes  were  scarcely  moulder'd  yet ; 
Yea,  some  retain'd  the  drops  of  dying  sweat  ! 
Horrid,  they  star'd  me  with  an  open  lid, 
By  which  I  knew  'twas  Egypt's  pyramid, 
Whose  deep  foundations  on  earth's  shell  were  laid, 
To  which  I'd  distant  in  my  wanderings  stray'd. 
The  light  produc'd  was  from  the  millions  dead,          400 
Shining  with  death-fire  on  their  nitrous  bed. 

"  O'erwhelm'd  with  horror  at  the  dire  abode, 
I  felt  as  live  things  creeping  through  my  blood, 
Despairing  ever  to  behold  again 
The  smile  of  beauty,  or  the  face  of  men. 

"1  thus  was  roaming  in  my  sickening  round, 
When  from  the  south  1  heard  this  unknown  sound, 
Loosening  the  hanging  rocks.     I  stopp'd  amaz'd, 
When  lo,  thy  Majesty  before  me  rais'd  !" 

Thus  he.      To  whom  the  Fiend  :    "  We  thought  it 
thou,  410 

With  mischief  work,  who  caus'd  the  lumbering  now. 

"  But  who  inform'd  thee  of  Our  empty  sphere  ? 
Say,  what  enticement  brought  thy  coming  here  ? 


PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OP  THE  ESSEX.  57 

And  is  it  not  enough  for  thee  to  dwell 

Fronting  the  sun  on  earth's  external  shell, 

That  thou  must  come  a  traitor  to  Our  realm  ? 

Proclaim  thy  purposes,  or  death  shall  whelm 

Thy  feebleness  in  dust  !     What,  could  not  We 

Here  reign  secure  from  man's  avidity  ? 

It  seems,  if  it  were  possible  to  trace  420 

The  path  of  hell,  he'd  search  the  dreadful  place. 

And  should  I  e'er  behold  its  Magistrate, 

I'd  give  him  caution,  that  he  bar  his  gate, 

Or  discontented  man  might  inroads  make, 

And  from  his  hand  his  rightful  sceptre  take. 

"  But  say,  what  mammon  you  expected  here, 
Or  what  inducement  brought  you  to  Our  sphere  ?" 

"  Simple  my  answer :  Science  is  my  name — 
By  searching,  lo,  I  found,  and  spoke  the  same, — 
The  earth's  concavity.     The  serpent  tongue  430 

Of  scoffing  ignorance  with  hissing  rung. 
Yet  still  I  gloried,  though  the  spurn  of  all  ; 
And  even  Freedom  hiss'd  me  from  her  hall. 
But  not  by  scoffs,  was  I  to  be  dismay'd, 
Till  I  in  person,  had  the  truth  survey'd. 
Vain  were  their  efforts  to  unman  my  soul  ; 
I  pass'd  the  ice  and  enter'd  at  the  pole. 
My  course  was  guided  by  the  martin's  flight, 
When  north  she  flew  to  spend  her  wintry  night. 
You  know  my  hist'ry  since.     I'll  now  describe, 
What  secret  motive  acted  as  a  bribe. 

"  Great  I  desir'd  with  Newton  to  be  nam'd  ;         440 
Beyond  the  character  of  Franklin,  fam'd  ; 


58  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XII. 

I  thought  to  notice  how  the  springs  were  form'd, 

And,  through  the  poles,  how  earth  was  inward  vvorm'd. 

Pure  veins  of  virgin  silver, — mines  of  gold, 

I  doubted  not,  delighted  to  behold  ; 

Pearls,  gems  and  petrefactions,  diamonds  bright, 

I  apprehended  would  enchant  my  sight ; 

And  all  the  treasures  in  the  deep  sea  hurl'd, 

My  mind  conceiv'd  had  found  this  darksome  world ; 

For,  by  the  test  of  geometrick  line,  450 

I  learnt  the  greatest  depths  of  ocean's  brine ; 

Hence  my  philosophy  had  plac'd  them  here, 

Dropp'd  through  the  centre  of  earth's  concave  sphere. 

"  These  were  my  views  thy  regions  to  explore, 
And  not  for  mammon  or  his  mines  of  ore, 
Hence,  O  my  life  in  mercy  deign  to  save, 
And  I  will  kneel  and  be  thy  menial  slave  !" 

"  We  keep   no  slaves  !"    The    Fiend  with  frown 

rejoins, 

"  Slaves  groan  above,  but  not  in  Our  confines. 
Though  man  enjoys  the  influence  of  heaven,  460 

No  greater  monster  to  the  world  is  given, 
Since  he,  of  all  created  by  a  God, 
Stands  mark'd  with  hell  in  slaving  of  his  blood  ! 

"  Go,  measure  back    Our   trace, — 'twill    lead  thee 

north, 

And  through  the  pole  direct  thee  to  the  earth. 
Thou  hast  sufficient  punishment  endur'd, 
The  madness  of  thy  brain  must  now  be  cur'd. 
Go,  and  proclaim  what  wonders  thou  hast  found, 
We  thought  it  thee,  who  caus'd  this  jarring  sound." 

With  feat  of  wings,  false  Science  flew  with  haste ; 
The  backward  progress  of  the  Fiend  he  trac'd. 


PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OP  THE  ESSEX.  59 

Ere  long  he  mark'd  earth's  window  at  the  pole, 
Which  shot  new  happiness  along  his  soul ; 
From  thence  to  Greenland  he  pursu'd  his  way  ; 
A  vessel  there  was  ready  for  the  sea  : 
With  swelling  sails  he  made  his  native  shore, 
And  told  of  wonders  never  told  before. 

Meanwhile  hell's  monarchy  strode  hurrying  forth, 
To  learn  what  cause  convuls'd  the  central  earth. 
At  every  step  he  reach'd  eight  furlongs  o'er,  480 

In  compass  guided  by  th'  unceasing  roar, 
Which,  as  more  near  upon  the  south  he  drew, 
Loud  and  more  loud  its  deep  concussion  grew. 

At  length  he  paus'd  upon  a  beetling  height, 
Round  which  in  vain  the  ocean  spent  its  might  ; 
By  earth's  quick  motion  spinning  round  her  pole, 
Causing  the  waves  impetuous  back  to  roll ; 
He  stood  aghast  at  the  tumultuous  scene, 
A  dark  convulsion  gathering  on  his  mien. 

But  soon  he  broke  the   spell  :  "  What,  pause  with 
fear  ?  490 

We'who  can  smooth  through  hell's  mad  ocean  steer  ! 
What  though  these  chafing  billows  foam  around, 
We'll    learn  the   cause    from   whence  the   thunders 

sound  ! 

Thunders  which  seem  this  sea  to  undulate  ; 
Why  doubt  we  thus  1 — We  are  impell'd  by  fate  !" 

This  said,  his  arms  he  fasten'd  to  his  side  ; 
His  feet  together  in  a  knot  were  tied  ; 
To  earth  he  settled,  as  he  chang'd  his  form, 
Like  Norway  monster,  hatch'd  midst  ocean's  storm. 


60  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XII. 

His  length  twelve  furlongs,  and  his  compass  round  500 
Would  thrice  outmeasure,  roll'd  along  the  ground, 
The  largest  wheel,  that  wind  or  water  power 
Ere  drove  to  crush  the  golden  wheat  to^flour. 

In  this  dread  shape  he  edges  to  the  height, 
Which  overhung  the  ocean,  flashing  light  ; 
For  by  the  dashing  of  the  billows  dire, 
The  foaming  surf  shot  particles  of  fire. 

Now  on  the  hanging  rocks  in  volumes  round, 
He  coils  and  coils  to  make  the  dreadful  bound. 
His  head  slow  rises  from  the  centre  full,  510 

With  one  eye  glaring  from  his  ridgy  skull, 
Like  the  moon  struggling  in  the  earth's  deep  shade, 
As  though  Death's  hand  upon  her  cheek  were  laid  : 
Like  this,  appears  the  terror  of  his  eye, 
From  the  vast  summit  of  the  cliff  on  high. 

And  now  his  head  hangs  dreadful  o'er  the  steep, 
Measuring  the  distance  to  the  surging  deep. 
This  done,  the  horrid  shape  with  rapid  whirl, 
Darts  back  his  head  within  the  serpent  coil  ; 
At  once  quick-rising  with  impulsive  bound,  520 

Making  a  groan  surpassing  thunder's  sound, 
Leaps  in  the  foam  !     Alarm'd  the  ocean  roars, 
And  flies  with  horror  from  the  startling  shores 
Beyond  the  compass  of  his  utmost  reach, 
Leaving  the  monster  dry  upon  the  beach  ! 

But  hovering  Fate,  (invisible  till  now) 
Thus  to  the  Ocean — lightnings  round  her  brow  ! 

"  And  art  thou  ign'rant  whom  that  thou  hast  fled  ? 
The  king  of  hell,  most  terrible  to  dread  ! 
Ocean  !  return  thy  billows  to  the  shore,  530 

And  bear  him  forth  to  where  these  deafenings  roar. 


i 
'* 


PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OP  THE  ESSEX.  61 

Yea,  should'st  thou  pause  a  moment  to  return, 
His  fiery  breath  will  cause  thy  waves  to  burn  ! 
Or  change  thy  liquid  kingdom  into  stone  ! 
A  moment  pausing  and  thy  name  is  done  !" 

The  ocean  heard  her  voice  :  And  with  a  sound 
Like  battling  armies  breaking  the  profound, 
Roll'd  back  his  frighted  billows  to  the  shore, 
To  swim  the  daemon  with  their  buoyant  power. 

Instant  the  Fiend  was  balanc'd  on  the  deep,         540 
He  summ'd  his  strength  its  turbulence  to  sweep  ; 
So  swift  his  length  along  the  waves  he  throws, 
The  waters  for  a  time  forget  to  close  ; 
A  spacious  vacuum  in  the  ocean  stands, 
Till  Fate  advancing,  shuts  it  with  her  hands. 

Nearer  the  monster  gains  upon  the  sound  ; 
It  seems  that  hell  upon  their  anvils  pound. 
A  brighter  green  reflected  through  the  sea, 
Inspires  his  hope  of  rising  into  day. 

Sudden,  behold  a  water-spout  in  form,  550 

He  lifts  his  head  confounded  in  a  storm 
Equal  to  hell,  when  forging  of  its  fire, 
'Neath  winch  th'  infernals  for  the  time  expire  ! 

He  stands  astonish'd  with  a  dizzy  eye  ; 
And  back  most  gladly  from  the  scene  would  fly — 
But  motive  powers  fail  !     At  length  the  chain, 
Which  cramp'd  his  heart,  gave  way,  and  he  amain 
Received  the  giant  vigour  of  his  might, 
And  his  quick  keenness  of  discerning  sight, 
By  which  he  scann'd  the  nature  of  the  blast,  560 

A  naval  battle,  roll'd  in  thunders  vast ! 

He  yawn'd  his  mouth  to  gulp  the  Essex  whole  ; 
At  second  thought,  he  thus  express'd  his  soul  : 
6    VOL.  ii. 


62  PREDONIAD.      CANTO    XIT. 

"Jaws  !  be  ye  shut,  and,  Appetite,  be  still  ! 
Yon  island  in  the  bay  thy  maw  shall  fill. 

"  And  shall  We  now  these  royal  ships  befriend, 
That  they  more  able  may  in  fight  contend  ? 
We'll  never  do  it — no.     The  Essex  there, 
Scarce  on  her  foes  a  single  brass  can  bear  ; 
With  this  advantage,  if  they  not  excel,  570 

They  may  be  conquer'd,  and  be  sunk  to  hell." 

When  to  himself  these  sentiments  were  said, 
Beneath  the  troubled  wave  he  dipp'd  his  head. 

What  time  these  scenes  transpir'd,  the  conflict  blaz'd 
So  vast,  the  monsters  from  their  caverns  rais'd 
To  learn  the  cause,  which  burnt  upon  the  flood, 
And  made  them  tremble  in  their  deep  abode. 
They  look'd,  and  fled  affrighted  from  their  death, 
Far  in  the  depths  immeasurable  beneath. 

The  brazen  engines,  with  terrifick  sound,  580 

Disturb'd  the  slumbers  of  the  sleeping  ground. 
The  earth  through  all  her  entrails  dire  was  shock'd, 
The  neighbouring  mountains  with  the  deafening,  rock'd. 
The  fulminating  peals,  so  vast  the  fray, 
Resembled  thunders  of  the  Judgment  Day. 

So  fierce  the  Essex'  blaze,  the  Cherub  now 
Not  longer  can  endure — she  leaves  the  bow, 
Cautious  she  winds  from  whence  the  lightnings  burn, 
And,  with  the  Phoebe,  settles  on  her  stern. 

Till  this  the  springs  upon  the  Essex  stood,  590 

By  which  the  heroes  warp'd  her  on  the  flood, 
And  dread  explosions  burst  from  either  side, 
Pouring  a  flaming  deluge  o'er  the  tide  5 


PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OF  THE  ESSEX.  oa 

But  now  the  chain  balls  of  the  enemy 

Asunder  rend  them,  as  they  leap  the  sea  ; 

But  Linscott,  Barnewell,  reckless  of  the  blast, 

Soon  make  new  cables  to  the  anchors  fast, 

Then  round  the  sailors  with  the  capstans  play, 

To  bring  the  vessel  opposite  the  fray  ; 

But  as  they  place  the  ready  guns  to  bear,  600 

Again  the  hawsers  separate  in  air  ! 

Barnewell  again,  and  Linscott,  forth  renew 

The  sever'd  parts,  supported  by  the  crew. 

But  as  the  gunners  whirl  the  linstocks  round, 

The  match  to  brighten  ere  they  touch  to  sound, 

Behold  the  springs  are  broken  by  the  fight ; 

Again  the  heroes,  with  a  leaping  light, 

The  separations  with  swift  hands  belay, 

But  soon  the  wild  fire  shatters  them  away  ! 

Like  spiders'  threads  before  the  storm  they  part,        610 

While  fierce  the  battle  drives  against  her  heart. 

Guns  nine  time  ten  impetuous  ruins  pour  ; 

Purpling  her  waist  descends  the  trickling  gore ; 

The  gazing  shores,  as  they  behold  the  fight, 

Wring  their  sad  hands  and  sicken  at  the  sight : 

So  when  the  arm  of  tyrannizing  power 
Brought  to  the  scaffold  the  exalted  More, 
He  stood,  unalter'd  in  his  virtue  great, 
And  smil'd  indignant  at  the  stroke  of  fate. 
The  gather'd  multitude  with  wonder  gaz'd  620 

To  mark  his  soul  above  death's  darkness  rais'd  : 
But  when  he  bow'd  to  taste  the  bloody  axe, 
Their  passions  soften'd  down  like  melting  wax  ; 


64  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XII. 

They  pray'd,  they  groan'd,  they  wept,  they  tore- their 

hair, 
And  beat  their  bosoms  bleeding  with  despair. 

In  anguish  thus  the  Chilian  patriots  stood 
To  mark  the  Essex  pour  her  martyr'd  blood. 

As  stands  mount  /Etna  roll'd  in  fire  and  smoke, 
So  Porter  stood,  and,  fill'd  with  valour,  spoke  : 

"  Never,  O  never,  let  us  dream  despair,  630 

We  yet  three  engines  on  the  foe  can  bear  ; 
Through  the  stern  port-lights  heavy  let  them  burst : 
A  God  of  justice  will  support  the  just  !" 

The  sons  of  ocean  heard  ; — and,  with  a  bound, 
Applied  the  cannon  in  tremendous  round  ; 
Like  three  hell-dragons  madden'd  into  wrath, 
A  host  infernal  smiting  in  their  path, 
So  imitated  lightnings- glanc'd  their  jaws, 
Which,  for  a  time,  gave  triumph  to  the  cause. 
The  rising  conflict  terrible  is  driven,  640 

Like  the  last  peals  disturbing  earth  and  heaven. 
The  Albions,  bleeding,  shatter'd, — in  dismay, 
Withdraw  instinctive  from  the  strife  away  ! 

Lo,  as  they  backward  from  the  blood-work  bore, 
The  gazing  multitudes  the  welkin  tore, — 
Their  shouts  redoubling,  thunder'd  up  the  sky, 
Like  rising  whirlwinds,  when  the  storms  are  nigh. 

Hillyar,  with  wringing  of  his  hands,  despair'd — 
Fearful  his  eyes  with  open  wildness  star'd  ; 
His  jaw-bones  chatter'd  in  an  aguish  mood  ;  650 

Back  from  his  features  shrunk  his  freezing  blood ; 


PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OP  THE  ESSEX.  65 

Lo,  by  the  strangling  passion  of  dismay, 
His  up-turn'd  hair  grew  aged  in  a  day  ! 

At  length,  his  tongue  was  loosen'd  from  its  chain, 
And  thus  to  Tucker  he  reveal'd  his  pain, 
Their  vessels  board  to  board  ;  "  Spread  sail  and  fly  ! 
Nothing  can  live  that  breathes  mortality  ! 
See  how  the  harness  of  the  ships  is  cut  ! 
Behold  the  life-ribs  broken  by  the  shot  ! 
The  balls  have  smote  us  wind  and  water  low —       660 
Hark  !  how  they  rush  ! — We've  met  with  overthrow  ! 
Our  vessels  drink  the  sea  !     We  drown — we  drown — 
Gone — lost  forever  in  the  ocean  down  ! 
Labour  the  suctions  ! — urgent,  every  hand  ; 
Let  none  distinction  feel !     We  strand,  we  strand  ! 
Perhaps  with  effort  we  may  yet  survive, 
Till  abler  strength  from  Albion  shall  arrive. 
I'll  fight  no  more,  till  Tagus  foams  along, 
And  others  aid  us  in  the  battle  strong." 

Thus  he.     But  Tucker  with  excited  pride  670 

Dissenting,  thus  right  gallantly  replied: 

"  You've  pain'd  my  heart !     By  England's  honour'd 

name, 

By  the  proud  glory  of  our  naval  fame, 
Renounce,  throw  back,  this  purpose  of  disgrace, 
And  prove  the  nobler  daring  of  our  race. 
As  now  have  we  the  gloomy  fight  begun, 
What  would  our  nation,  should  we  dastard  run  1 
Yea,  school-boy  striplings  would  around  us  press, 
And  wag  their  heads  and  scout  our  littleness. 
Hark  !  how  the  Chilians  shout  upon  the  shore  !      680 
They  now  detest  us  ; — should  we  fight  no  more, 
6*   YOL.  ii. 


FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XII. 

They'll  point  the  hissing  finger  of  their  scorn, 
And  scoffing  cry  :  '  Behold  the  ocean-born  .'' 

"  Cast  from  your  mind  this  womanish  affair, 
And  prove,  but  death  our  courage  can  impair. 
What  though  a  portion  of  our  strength  is  dead, 
Observe  the  foe  !  her  waist  with  blood  is  red  ! 

"  On  starboard  quarter  we'll  the  war  renew, 
Where  not  a  gun  can  reach  to  strike  us  through  ; 
There,  we  secure,  upon  her  life  can  aim,  600 

And,  void  of  danger,  set  her  in  a  flame. 
Her  cannonades  will  nothing  her  avail, 
While  we,  at  distance,  shall  her  life  assail. 

"  Most  true,  in  many  a  battle  have  I  been, 
Where  ocean  redden'd  with  the  blood  of  men — 
At  Cape  Trafalgar,  and  at  Egypt's  Nile, 
Where  death  did  feast  and  on  the  banquet  smile, 
But  never  such  defence  was  ever  known, 
As  Porter  and  his  mariners  have  shown  ; 
But  if  no  cannon  bear  upon  our  life,  700 

We  must  become  the  victors  in  the  strife." 

While  Tucker  thus  dissuaded  to  retire, 
Hillyar,  with  grapes  distill'd,  arous'd  his  fire  : 

"  The  every  fibre  of  your  heart  is  true  ; 
You've  wak'd  a  spirit  in  my  bosom  new. 
Proof  have  you  given,  that  English  is  your  blood. 
A  heart  of  oak  to  sink  her  in  the  flood!! 

"  Distant  we'll  cause  her  banner  to  submit — 
Behold  how  swift  our  mariners  refit ! . 
Replace  the  broken  spars — the  braces  mend —       710 
We  creen  her,  lads  ! — we  creen  her,  beam  an  end  ! 
Moisten  your  courage — let  the  goblets  flow  ; 
We'll  waste  with  fire,  or  strangle  her  below. 


PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OF  THE  ESSEX.  67 

u  But  I'll  not  be  a  miser  in  my  fame, 
Each  shall  have  room  to  send  aloft  his  name  ; 
Hence,  for  the  present,  I  my  place  will  yield, 
That,  Bradburn,  you  the  ship's  command  may  wield ; 
But  I'll  be  with  you,  should  the  fight  grow  warm, 
And  place  my  bosom  opposite  the  storm." 

With  this  excuse,  he  left  th'  impending  scene       720 
To  Bradburn's  care,  renown'd  with  valiant  men. 

While  each  with  each  convers'd,  the  crews  repair'd 
Their  ships  for  action,  by  exertions  hard. 
Beyond  the  striking  distance  of  the  brave, 
They  drop  their  anchors  in  the  neutral  wave. 
Remote  from  danger,  cowardly  renew 
The  dastard  fight,  striking  the  Essex  through, 
While  not  a  gun  is  possible  to  bear 
Against  the  foe,  so  angled  from  a  square. 

Thus  Putnam,  chivalrous,  in  days  of  yore,          730 
Was  bound  a  captive  on  the  northern  shore  ; 
Two  hideous  savages,  with  passions  fell, 
Approach'd  the  hero,  burning  in  their  hell, 
And  hurl'd  their  darts  unerring  through  the  air, 
But  shunn'd  his  life, — the  compass  of  a  hair  ; 
While  piteous  from  his  cheeks  and  arms  and  side, 
Gash'd  with  deep  wounds,  sad  stream'd  his  crimson 
tide  : 

Thus  was  the  Essex  by  explosions  rent, 
While  bound,  disaster'd,  like  imprisonment  ; 
So,  like  the  savages,  the  Britons  stood,  740 

And  drew  in  gushing  streams  her  best  of  blood. 
On  every  side,  the  prime  of  mortal  clay 
Reel'd,  gasp'd,  and  fell,  and  splash'd  into  the  bay. 


68  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XII. 

Clouds  ting'd  with  death  around  the  vessel  spread, 
And  stifling  seem'd  to  fold  her  with  the  dead. 

Yet  Porter  brightens  as  the  darkness  crowds, 
A  light,  reflecting  on  the  coffin  clouds  ; 
Pure  like  the  splendour  of  a  star  at  night, 
When  others  all  are  curtain'd  from  the  sight 
By  heavy-hanging  clouds  : — in  flame  he  stands  ;      750 
O'er  death  he  triumphs,  and  the  brave  commands  : 

"  Immortal  deeds  ! — Sunder  the  cable  twain, 
And  run  upon  the  enemy  amain. 
Never — no — never  shall  the  standard  sink — 
Not  while  the  mind  has  liberty  to  think  !" 

The  cable  parted,  as  the  word  he  gave  ; 
The  vessel  moves  like  madness  on  the  wave  ; 
But,  by  the  shifting  of  the  wayward  gales, 
To  board,  the  hero  in  his  purpose  fails, 
Yet  by  superior  knowledge  of  his  art,  760 

He  runs  between  and  strikes  them  to  their  heart. 
So  fierce,  so  terrible  the  Essex'  ire, 
She  seems  a  dragon  with  broad  wings  of  fire, 
When  through  the  regions  of  deep  hell  he  flies, 
At  Death's  command,  to  search  his  enemies. 
The  Phrebe,  Cherub,  summon  all  their  strength, 
And  blaze — their  distance  scarce  a  vessel's  length  ; 
Betwixt  the  three,  thunder  on  thunder  rolls — 
The  jarring  earth  seems  loosen'd  from  the  poles. 
By  frenzied  fire  the  bolts  of  wrath  are  driven —      770 
The  ocean  burns  with  solid  flame  to  heaven. 

Were  Hecla  and  Vesuvius  side  by  side 
Of  ./Etna  plac'd,  by  earthquakes  yawning  wide — 
And  all,  and  each  in  height  of  fury  rais'd, 
Each  to  outdo  the  other  as  it  blaz'd  : 


PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OP  THE  ESSEX.  69 

Scarce  less  terrifick  would  the  conflict  seem, 
Than  the  dread  battle  burning  on  the  stream. 

Now  by  the  turbulence  the  ships  are  hid  ; 
And  now  they  show  a  blazing  pyramid. 
But  soon  the  smoke  commixing  with  the  fire,  780 

Smothers  each  vestige  of  their  forms  entire. 
A  moment, — and  a  halliard  breaks  between— 
Perhaps  the  motion  of  a  flag  is  seen — 
Instant  the  whole  is  muffled  from  the  eye, 
Wrapp'd  in  the  folds  of  deep  obscurity  : 

So  when  for  many  moons  a  drought  prevails, 
By  which  the  gushing  of  the  fountains  fails, 
The  tender  flowers  sink  drooping  to  decay, 
Beneath  the  fervour  of  the  parching  ray  ; 
At  length  at  midnight  in  the  south  appears  790 

A  chain  of  clouds  which  soon  involves  the  spheres  ; 
Contending  thunders  in  their  anger  peal, 
Which  cause  the  pillars  of  the  earth  to  reel, 
Whilst  lightnings,  kindling  with  incessant  fire, 
Affright  the  world  with  apprehensions  dire  ; 
A  moment,  now  behind  the  clouds  they  hie, 
Which  leaves  obscurely  seen  the  curtain'd  sky, 
Deep,  dungeon'd,  dark,  in  awful  tumult  roll'd, 
Thick-crowding,  broken,  heaving  fold  on  fold  ; 
But  scarce  a  thought  is  to  the  mind  allow'd,  800 

When  the  keen  lightnings  burn  upon  the  cloud, 
Filling  the  circle  of  the  heavens  with  blaze, 
Blinding  the  eye  that  ventures  at  a  gaze. 

Like  this,  the  streams  of  fire  and  thunders  swell, 
The  ocean  spirits  answer  audible. 
Columbians,  Britons,  weltering  in  their  gore, 
Close  their  dark  eyes — to  waken  never  more. 


70  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XII. 

A  vengeful  bullet  leaping  at  Cowell, 
Fractur'd  his  ancle ;  brief  from  life  he  fell ; 
The  stream  of  life  came  pouring  from  the  wound,  810 
And  left  his  breast  on  Death's  cold  bosom  bound. 

As  Wilmer  with  strong  arm  his  brass  applied, 
A  splinter  smote  and  hurl'd  him  in  the  tide, 
Astounded  with  the  blow  which  jarr'd  his  breast, 
He  sunk  without  a  struggle  to  his  rest. 

Though  Death  has  cast  your  bodies  from  the  world, 
Your  names  shall  live  while  ocean  shall  be  curl'd 
By  virgin  zephyrs  from  the  mountains  west, 
Where  large  you  drank  the  streams  of  Freedom  blest. 
A  wild,  sweet  musick  from  the  sea  shall  rise  820 

To  glad  your  Spirits  sailing  through  the  skies  ! 

No  Patriot  sinks  alone — the  royals  die  ; 
Knap,  Bufort,  Elder,  fall  promiscuously — 
And  other  names  are  stricken  from  the  earth, 
While  in  their  heat  to  urge  the  battle  forth. 

##*###### 

At  length  the  Cherub  second  time  retires, 
Unable  longer  to  withstand  the  fires 
Bursting  from  Porter's  engines — impotent — 
Her  hulk  in  ruins  and  her  cordage  rent. 
The  Phosbe  flinches  back — but  Bradburn  bold        830 
Inspires  her  crew  the  contest  yet  to  hold  : 

"  Britons  !  stand  firm,  and  in  that  firmness  die, 
Rather  than  cowering  from  the  scene  to  fly  ! 
Yea,  thrice  endure  the  exercise  of  death  ; 
Say,  that  we'll  live,  or  find  proud  graves  beneath  !" 

This  language  stay'd  the  Phoebe  on  the  flood, 
Though  her  dark  waist  was  overlaid  with  blood. 


PORTES'S   DEFENCE    OP   THE   ESSEX.  71 

Porter  observ'd  their  failing,  and  begun  : 
"  Behold  the  thunders  of  the  Cherub  done  ! 
Stand — and  the  foe  must  render  up  the  fight —        840 
The  Phoebe,  see  !  exhausted  of  her  might 
She  flutters  in  the  wind !     She  groans  in  pain — 
Yea,  prove  the  soul,  and  we  their  flags  shall  gain ! 
The  canvass,  spread  it  forth, — jib, — top-sail  sheet  ! 
Board,  board  the  foe  !     The  Lion's  at  our  feet  !" 

Instant  the  sails  upon  the  ship  they  bend, 
But  ah,  too  broken  to  retain  the  wind  ! 
Their  buoyant  hearts  misgave  them  at  the  sight  ; 
Their  hope  of  triumph  darken'd  into  night. 

So  the  ship  Hesper  on  the  rocks  was  lost,  850 

Steering  for  Boston  with  her  freight  of  cost  ; 
Her  boat  was  all  that  liv'd — so  dire  the  scene — 
And  this  was  crowded  with  her  hopeless  men. 
In  night, — without  a  compass  for  their  way, 
They  bound,  uncertain,  on  the  uproar'd  sea  ; 
While  thus  bewilder'd  on  the  billows  driven, 
Behold  the  northern  star  appears  in  heaven  ! 
A  rushing  joy  in  every  bosom  crowds, 
To  mark  their  compass  shine  between  the  clouds  ; 
But  lo,  while  steering  by  the  heavenly  ray  860 

To  seek  the  shelter  of  a  friendly  bay, 
A  scowling  cloud  obscures  the  lovely  light, 
Which  wraps  their  promise  in  the  pall  of  night. 

Thus  sunk  their  hopes  to  mark  the  sail  wings  torn, 
Like  shipwreck'd  mariners  in  grief  forlorn  ; 
Each  soul  o'erpower'd,  reveal 'd  a  reckless  stare, 
Though  breaking  down  beneath  a  dead  despair. 

Now  at  this  bleeding  moment  of  distress, 
McKnight  to  Porter,  ofier'd  this  address  : 


72  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XII. 

"  Our  gallant  vessel  in  the  strife  is  done  ;  870 

Her  last — last  particle  of  sand  is  run  ! 
Our  guns  are  like  the  minute  guns  of  death, 
While  the  foe  strikes  and  settles  us  beneath  ; 
Our  masts  are  wounded — tottering  from  their  height — 
The  cordage  rent, — the  hulk  in  shatter'd  plight ; 
The  deck  is  cover'd  with  the  parts  of  men  ; 
The  room  of  surgeons  is  a  direful  scene ; 
And  still,  incessant,  our  companions  fall, 
But  yet  they  smiling  meet  their  funeral  ! 
Behold  !  what  flames  come  bursting  from  below  !  880 
No  hope  remains,  but  yielding  to  the  foe  !" 

"  Yield  to  the  foe  ! — never  while  breath  survives — 
How  soon  the  race  of  man  by  nature  dies  ! 
How  few  the  days  that  we  forestall  of  Time  ! 
To  die  in  battle  is  to  die  sublime  ! 

"  See  Odenhiemer,  with  unflagging  zeal, 
Quenches  the  flames,  that  bursted  from  the  keel  ! 
The  hearts,  that  show  such  daring,  never  melt — 
To  mortal  man  such  spirits  never  knelt.  889 

"  But  mark  you  not,  a  gale  like  heaven  has  sprung  ! 
It  wafts  us  to  the  shore  !  with  feelings  young, 
Urge  on  the  lagging  vessel  to  the  strand, 
And  spread  the  fire,  and  every  hero  land  !" 

'Tis  doubtful,  which  most  cheer'd  the  sinking  crew, 
Or  Porter's  voice,  or  gales  which  favouring  blew 
And  bore  the  suffering  Essex  to  the  shores, 
While  drops  of  blood  run  sweating  from  her  pores, 
For  still  the  Phoebe  kept  a  distant  roll, 
Touching  at  times  the  centre  of  her  soul ! 


PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OF  THE  ESSEX.  73 

But  the  gale  freshening,  bearing  her  to  land,  900 

Imparted  vigour  to  her  deathless  band. 
Hope's  rainbow'd  visions  in  their  beauty  came 
To  gain  the  shore,  and  light  her  in  a  flame. 

But  ah,  the  wanton  breezes  shift  their  wing, 
And  opposite  the  foe  her  length  they  bring, 
Helpless,  expos'd  to  all  the  Phoebe's  fire, 
Piercing  her  life— increasing  in  her  ire  ! 

By  this,  the  Cherub  had  her  wounds  made  tight, 
And  join'd  the  Phoebe  in  the  unequal  fight  ; 
Both  ships  united,  feel  their  strength  sublime,  910 

T'  erase  the  Essex  from  the  book  of  time. 

Through  every  vein  of  life  the  Chilians  ache  j 
Heart-bursting  sighs  from  every  bosom  break ; 
Tears,  rank  with  bitterness,  proclaim  their  grief — 
They  see  no  hope,  but  yielding,  for  relief. 

Yet  still  with  souls  unconquer'd  are  the  crew  ! 
Nor  can  the  enemy  their  will  subdue. 
A  something  more  than  mortal  seems  to  live 
In  Porter's  eye,  from  which  the  brave  receive 
An  inspiration  of  immortal  fire —  920 

To  die  with  him  sublim'd  is  their  desire  ! 

Lo,  at  this  instant,  like  a  ray  from  heaven, 
A  daring  thought  was  to  the  hero  given  : 

"  To  anchor  of  the  stern  a  hawser  bend  ! 
Till  the  last  struggle  of  our  life,  contend  ! 
From  bows,  the  cable  loose  !     Round  poize  her  head,. 
And  cast  a  flame  to  strike  the  living  dead  !" 

Scarce  had  the  order  echo'd  from  his  tongue, 
When  at  the  foe,  the  deep-charg'd  cannon  rung. 

7      VOL.   II. 


74  FREDONIAD.      CANTO    Xlf. 

The  Cherub,  Phoebe,  trembled  every  gun —  930 

In  vain  they  strive  the  iron  storm  to  shun  ; 
Blood,  like  new  fountains,  gushes  every  side  ; 
They  fail,  they  sink,  their  decks  are  in  the  tide  ! 
Each  moment  threatens  their  expiring  last, 
The  Essex'  thunders  striking  every  blast  ! 

The  gazing  patriots,  lifted  from  the  earth, 
Shout  to  the  glory  of  Columbian  birth  : 

"  The  Essex  conquers — gains  the  victory  ! 
Britannia  sinks  with  all  her  infamy  !'' 

The  shout  was  heard  beneath  the  ocean's  swell,   940 
Like  bursting  clouds,  by  monster  Shape  of  hell  ; 
In  serpent  form  he  rose  above  the  sea, — 
Beheld  his  vessels  in  extremity. 

"  Is  hell  upon  the  earth  ?"  (in  dire  surprize, 
Flashing  red  horror  from  his  scorpion  eyes  ;) 
"  What,  is  the  Essex  strangling  both  of  Ours  ? 
Is  this  the  effort  of  the  Albion  powers  ? 

No — never  can  it  be  ! — What,  two 

"  Swift  We  must  go — 
Or  gone  forever  in  the  floods  below  !" 

This  said  ;  he  backward  darted  in  the  deep,         950 
And  plac'd  his  length  beneath  each  sinking  ship, 
And  buoy'd  them  up — his  might  so  wonderful  ! 
Just  as  the  waves  were  burying  up  their  hull, 
And  hurrying  them  to  death  ! — His  vessels  sav'd, 
(Though  Ocean  thought  them  in  his  empire  grav'd,) 
Brief  he  contriv'd  the  Essex  to  subdue 
With  flame,  and  bring  despair  upon  her  crew. 


.PORTER'S  DEFENCE  OP  THE  ESSEX.  75 

The  hawser  first  he  sever'd  with  his  teeth  ; 
And  then,  the  vessel  kindled  with  his  breath  ! 

The  brave   stood   cramp'd  with    dampness   on  their 
heart,  960 

When  they  beheld  the  last,  last  cable  part  ; 
But  when  they  saw  the  flashing  from  beneath, 
They  felt  the  anguish  that  is  felt  in  death  ! 

Porter  exclaim'd  :  "  The  standard,  let  it  fly  ! 
We've  glorious  fought,  and  gloriously  we  die  !" 

Scarce  had  he  spoken,  when  a  rushing  light 
Stream'd  down  the  heavens,  and  wrapp'd   the  flag  from 

sight ! 

The  Phoenix  Eagle  quicken'd  from  the  pyre — 
The  Stars  shot  blazing  from  the  hallow'd  fire  ! 

Fredonia  caught  and  plac'd  them  on  her  brow,       970 
And  wide  through  heaven  convey'd  the  splendid  show  •' 
Her  trump  so  sweet  she  sounded  with  her  breath, 
It  call'd  bright  angels  to  the  spheres  beneath  : 

"  Earth  !  list  to  the  decree  !     Perter  shall  live, 
Whilst  Fame  immortal,  has  a  breath  to  give  !"          975 


CANTO  XIII. 


SIEGE  OF  FORT  MEIGS. 


ARGUMENT. 

At  the  opening  of  the  second  campaign,  Proctor  invests  Fort  Meigs 
....Croghan  proceeds  to  Sandusky....A  Night  Scene. 

The  events  of  this  book  are  laid  at  Maiden,  and  in  and  about 
Fort  Meigs.. ..The  time  is  twenty-four  hours. 


FREDONIAD. 


CANTO  XIII. 

THE  sun  returning  in  his  bright  career, 
Gives  gladdening  promise  of  the  quickening  year ; 
The  flowery-footed  Spring  with  all  her  train 
Of  joys,  and  lovesj  comes  sporting  o'er  the  plain. 

The  snows  dissolve  insensibly  away  ; 
The  ice  turns  liquid  by  the  sun's  warm  ray. 
Unbound  from  winter's  chain,  the  rivers  move 
With  silver  bosoms  through  the  budding  grove  ; 
Through  vallies  teeming  with  the  floral  birth 
Of  cowslips,  vi'lets,  smiling  in  their  mirth.  10 

A  robe  of  woven  grass  adorns  the  mead  ; 
An  infant  beauty  o'er  the  earth  is  spread  ; 
The  lambkins  frolick  in  their  youthful  heat, 
The  ewes  loud  call  them,  and  they  answering  bleat. 
The  heifer  snuffs  the  essence  of  the  gale, 
And  strays  to  taste  the  sweetness  of  the  vale. 
At  sunny  noon  the  bees  are  on  the  wing 
To  sip  the  luscious  honey  of  the  spring. 
The  fishes  feel   the  renovating  heat, 
And,  light  of  heart,  from  winter  caves  retreat  ;  20 

The  salmon  flounces  from  his  sea-weed  bed, 
And  darts  the  river  to  its  fountain  head. 


80  PREDONIAD.      CANTO  XIII. 

The  trout,  the  swallow  of  the  streamlet,  flies, 
As  blush  of  morning  reddens  in  the  skies  ; 
At  noon  he  sleeps  beneath  the  alder's  shade  ; 
At  evening  frolicks  in  the  rippling  glade. 
The  embryo  blossoms  of  the  orchard  groves 
Show  their  red  lips,  like  beauty  when  she  loves, 
While  songs,  sweet-noted,  warble  from  each  spray, 
And  hold  the  listener  in  softecstacy.  30 

Light  marble  clouds  bedeck  the  orient  heaven  ; 
Young  life  in  rapture  to  the  earth  is  given. 

Though  Spring  returns  with  gladdening  smile  of  peace, 
And  from  stern  Winter  gives  the  world  release. 
And  with  the  musick  of  her  mellow  voice, 
Bids  nature  live,  and  in  her  life  rejoice, 
Yet  loud  and  martial  round  Columbia  far, 
Sound  the  hoarse  trumpet  and  the  drum  of  war. 

And  now,  that  Winter  with  his  hoary  train 
Of  frosts  and  snows,  had  vanish'd  from  the  plain,         40 
Proctor  at  Maiden,  at  the  purple  dawn, 
Rose,  and  his  squadrons  rank'd  upon  the  lawn, 
Ready  to  pass  the  lake  and  seize  the  fort, 
And  give  his  name  a  more  sublime  support — 
Sublime  in  murder,  not  in  v.iliant  theme, 
But  such  sublimity  as  Raisin's  stream. 

His  numbers  mate  the  buds  upon  the  trees, 
Or  hoarse  collecting  swarms  of  hiving  bees  ; 
The  scarlet  Britons,  dazzling  on  the  sight, 
The  painted  Indians,  clamorous  for  the  fight.  50 

Thus  s  svage  bears,  what  time  that  winter  raves, 
Lie  chill'd  aud  torpid  in  their  darksome  caves, 


SIEGE    OP    PORT   ME1GS.  81 

But  when  the  spring  thaws  out  their  frozen  blood, 
They  wake  and  raven  for  supply  of  food. 

So  through  the  winter  had  the  Indians  slept, 
And  scarce  from  out  their  dens  their  length  had  crept, 
Lock'd  in  unsocialness — no  converse  spoke, 
Veil'd  in  an  acrid  cloud  of  stifling  smoke  ; 
But,  as  the  animating  spring  returns, 
Their  fiery  blood  with  inward  vengeance  burns.  60 

Lo,  now  a  banner  rising  in  the  wind, 
They  hush  their  broil  till  Proctor  speaks  his  mind  : 

"  Warriors  !  whose  bayonets  vindicate  the  Throne — 
And  Brothers  !  long  for  deeds  of  daring  known — 
Great  is  my  joy  to  see  your  passions  burn, 
To  leave  the  winter  and  to  blood  return. 
Behold,  in  person,  I  command  the  field  ; 
Never  I  sheathe  my  sword  till  foes  shall  yield  ! 
Yea,  we  shall  pour  a  blindness  on  their  sight, 
And  prove  our  flag  Death's  banner  in  the  fight.  70 

"  Yes,  should  they  dare  resistance  at  the  fort, 
'Twill  then  sublimely  with  our  views  comport ; 
For  we  unsparing  will  their  lives  consume  ; 
The  whole  Republick  bury  in  the  tomb. 

"  With  warriors,  you,  Tecumseh,  cleave  the  lake, 
And  the  west  bank  of  the  Miami  take  ; 
In  ambush  there,  your  banded  host  secrete, 
To  rise,  and  at  a  blow  their  lives  complete  :; 
If  past  the  river  they  from  us  should  fly, 
You'll  sharp  your  daggers  for  a  butchery.  80 

"  Cawataw,  you,  and  you,Tekelah  good, 
Will  land  with  me  at  sunrise  from  the  flood  ; 
The  fort  surrenders  ere  the  close  of  day  ; 
The  Eagle  flutters  in  her  death  away, 


82  FREDONIAD.       CANTO  XI11. 

"  Cherish  in  mind  they  tore  away  your  soil  ; 
Now  for  the  deed,  let  every  blood-vein  boil. 
Never  the  olive  we  present  our  foes, 
Till  yield  they  north  of  th'  Ohio  flows. 
Drive  but  the  vile  intruders  from  the  plain, 
And  that  vast  country  shall  be  yours  again."  90 

Thus  spoke  the  hell-begotten,  born  of  Sin  ; 
The  savage  heard,  and  smil'd  a  hideous  grin, 
Expressing  that  which  words  can  never  tell, — 
Like  that  depictm-'d  in  the  pains  of  hell. 

They  load  the  barges,  sweep  the  waters  o'er, 
And  land,  like  swarming,  on  the  freedom  shore. 

Twelve  hundred  Patriots  in  the  fort  are  all 
To  play  the  brass  and  aim  the  rifles  small  ; 
And  had  not  Harrison,  learning  the  fate 
Of  bleeding  Raisin— from  Ohio  State  100 

Procur'd  and  hurried  the  supplies  and  men, 
In  infant  weakness  would  the  fort  have  been. 

The  time  that  Proctor,  with  imperious  pride, 
Drew  forth  his  strength  to  navigate  the  tide, 
The  venerable  Shelby,  silver  hair'd, 
The  fort  defenders  in  it  centre  squar'd  ; 
His  purposes  proclaim'd  :  "  The  winter  gone, 
Soon  shtill  we  hear  the  martial  beating  tune 
Inviting  us  to  arms.     But  Raisin's  plain 
Compels  us  here  defensive  to  remain,  1 10 

Till  youthful  Perry  shall  his  ships  complete, 
To  beat-  us  o'er,  the  allied  host  to  meet. 

What  though  adversity  wmstrains  us  now, 
Here  to  resist  the  inroads  of  the  foe, 
Brown  is  preparing  at  Ontario's  wave 
To  cross  with  Chauncy  and  dig  deep  their  grave. 


SIEGE    OP    FORT    MEIGS.  83 

And  doubt  there  cannot  be,  but  now  the  height 

Of  Queenstown  shines  with  Liberty's  pure  light ; 

Express  to  me  has  made  it  evident, 

That  Rensselaer  was  moving  the  descent.  120 

"  The  human  soul  is  limited  to  time — 
When  proud  on  reason's  wing  it  towers  sublime, 
Planning  with  wisdom  for  the  future  hour, 
To  grasp  its  hope  in  fullness  of  its  power, 
The  shifting  of  a  breeze,  a  song,  a  straw 
Will  break  its  flight  and  prove  how  weak  we  are. 

"  We  thought  our  plans  with  judgment  deep  were  laid, 
That  we,  ere  this,  the  Eagle  had  display'd — 
But  by  the  giddy  changes  of  an  hour, 
We  stand  in  weakness — wither'd  all  our  power 

"  How  ?    wither'd  ! — never  !     Though   in   numbers 

small, 

Our  strength  is  ample  to  defend  the  wall. 
None  more  I  wish,  the  enemy  to  check, 
Till  Dudley  shall  arrive,  their  ranks  to  break  ; 
I've  heard  his  passing  of  Ohio's  flood 
With  twice  six  hundred  of  Kentuckian  blood." 

The  veteran  chief  was  broken  in  discourse 
By  Hamilton,  returning  with  his  force, 
Sent  as  a  spy,  should  enemies  appear, 
To  bring  the  tidings  to  the  General's  ear  :  140 

"  Warrior  of  many  fields  ! — two  leagues  below, 
In  martial  pomp,  advance  th'  invading  foe, 
Deep  as  thick  mist,  slow  travelling  o'er  the  vale, 
Borne  on  the  pinions  of  the  summer  gale. 
Cawataw,  I,  Tekelah,  Proctor,  saw — 
I  search'd  to  find  Tecumseh, — arm  of  war. 


84  FRKDONIAU.      CANTO    XIII. 

But  him,  I  not  beheld.     Elliot  was  dress'd 
In  royal  robes,  more  haughty  than  the  rest. 
Reynolds  and  Muii,  like  stars  mid  clouds  of  night, 
Reflected  on  the  host  a  partial  light."  150 

The  herald  ended.     Harrison  began — 
To  spare  the  waste  of  blood  renown'd  the  man  : 

"  With  modest  deference  to  your  judgment  now, 
Would  I  propose  retiring  from  the  foe  ; 
With  awe  profound  for  thy  superior  age, 
These  darkening  thousands  we  can  ne'er  engage 
With  shadow  of  success.     Deep  they'll  surround 
This  infant  fortress,  raze  it  to  the  ground. 

"  I'd  be  the  last  to  recommend  retreat, 
If  but  a  hope  remain'd  to  shun  defeat  ;  160 

Should  we  this  small  but  patriot  army  lose, 
Then  would  the  States  be  thus  compell'd  to  choose, 
Or  rush  upon  their  steel  and  there  be  slain, 
Or  yield  our  freedom  to  the  foe  again. 

"  But  should  we  backward  to  the  river*  hie, 
In  safety  we  could  shun  the  enemy  ; 
Protect  the  troops  advancing  on  the  rear, 
And  by  our  prudence  save  our  character." 

Thus  he.     And  Shelby  then  :  "  Most  true,  I  feel 
Your  heart  is  wedded  to  the  publick  weal —  170 

In  conduct,  prudence  is  a  polar  star  ; 
But  in  this  virtue  we  may  go  too  far. 
'Tis  not  to  be  disguis'd,  that  we  severe 
Have  lost  by  reckless  passionate  career. 

"  'Twixt  rashness,  courage,  wide  is  the  extreme — 
That  brings  defeat,  but  this  substantial  fame  : 

*  O&iTying  River. 


SIEGE   OF   FORT   MEIGS. 

Ever  by  courage,  steadfast  warriors  towerr 

And  stand  superior  to  unmarshall'd  power. 

'Tis  not  to  numbers  that  the  victory's  given, 

But  to  wise  conduct,  and  the  smiles  of  heaven.  180 

"  Warriors  !  yea,  more  than  ample  is  our  force 
To  curb  this  Proctor  in  his  savage  course. 
The  hopes  of  Freedom  on  our  arms  depend  ; 
We  stand  a  rock,  our  country  to  defend  ; 
If  few  our  names,  more  worth  shall  we  evince, 
And  place  our  deeds  on  fame's  proud  eminence. 
Prove  your  hearts  chorded  with  your  fathers'  nerve 
Never  to  shrink  from  danger,  never  swerve. 
Where  danger  comes  not,  courage  ne'er  is  seen  ; 
The  day  of  battle  proves  the  souls  of  men.  190 

"  Though  even  now,  the  enemy  comes  forth 
In  multitudes  to  bury  us  in  earth, 
Croghan  to  fort  Sandusky  must  repair 
To  guard  the  passage  of  the  river  there. 

"  Proceed,  fair  warrior, — strike  for  volunteers, 
Twelve,  ten  times  number'd,  equal  to  thy  years." 

Straight  at  the  order  Creghan  pass'd  the  lines, 
While  Harrison  to  Shelby  thus  rejoins  : 

"  A  leaden  weight  upon  my  heart  I  feel, 
Longer  my  thoughts  of  danger  to  conceal,  200 

Hence,  on  the  principle  of  publick  good, 
I  must  divulge  what  darkness  I  forebode  ; 
Wisdom  is  gifted  with  a  patient  ear, 
The  calm  opinion  of  her  friends  to  hear. 

"  And  do  you  purpose  that  the  youth  should  stand, 
If  savage  hordes  should  swarm  upon  the  land  ? 
A  single  brass  the  bulwark  would  destroy, 
And  cast  in  air  the  inexperienc'd  boy. 


80  FREDONIAD.       CANTO  XIII. 

Yea,  and  I  fear  that  we  ourselves  must  die  ; 

My  soul  forebodes  a  horrid  butchery  !  210 

We  need  our  every  warrior  for  defence  ; 

h  seems  too  daring  to  detach  him  hence.'' 

"  This  fear  you  not  :  In  days  of  ancient  Rome, 
When  to  her  portals  Hannibal  had  come, 
She  with  her  Scipio  despatch'd  away 
A  numerous  army  into  Africa, 
By  which  bold  act  she  elevated  high 
Her  eagle — and  appall'd  her  enemy. 

"  The  boy  will  mount  his  name — Promethean  spark — 
A  beam  of  fire,  inherited  from  Clark,*  220 

His  warrior  uncle.     Fearless  he'll  engage 
The  prowling  savage  and  subdue  their  rage." 

They  thus  :  while  Croghan  visited  the  line, 
The  youths  inviting  to  the  bold  design. 
His  eye  look'd  brilliant  like  a  star  new  made  ; 
A  graceful  sweetness  in  his  features  play'd  ; 
The  blush  was  martial,  deep — but  yet  so  rare, 
That  Beauty  strove  to  win  a  conquest  there. 

"  For  warriors  suited  to  my  years  I  come — 
Fall  in  behind  the  musick  of  the  drum.  230 

Come — and  with  me,  a  character  support, 
By  proud  defending  the  Sandusky  fort, 
Come  every  youth  whose  bosom  beats  to  live — 
'Tis  offer'd  now,  bright  glory  to  achieve. 
The  angel  bosoms  of  our  loves  will  roll — 
They'll  sweet  embrace  us  with  delighted  soul  !" 

Scarce  had  his  tongue  proclaim'd  the  welcome  news. 
When,  rear  of  musick,  fil'd  the  Pittsburg  Blues  ; 

*  Called  the  Hannibal  of  the  West. 


SIEGE    OF    FORT   MEIGS.  87 

The  next,  exalted  youths,  estrang'd  from  fears, 

Of  Petersburg,  Virginia's  volunteers.  240 

While  Croghaa  leads  the  way,  the  drummers  beat, 
And  soon  the  complement  is  made  complete  ; 
His  youthful  chieftains  burning  for  their  fame, 
In  future  ages  to  transmit  their  name  ; 
Meeks,  Hunter,  Johnson,*  in  their  pride  appear, 
And  Bayley,  Anthony,  with  sword  and  spear ; 
Dunkin  and  Ship,  the  banners  proudly  wave, 
Whose  starry  emblems  animate  the  brave. 

Now  his  fair  band  like  beauty  he  clisplay'd,  24g 

Bedeck'd  with  nodding  plumes,  white,  tipt  with  red. 
The  venerable  chief  with  placid  look, 
Wav'd  his  scarr'd  arm,  and  to  their  bosoms  spoke  : 

"  To  you  have  I  submitted  the  command, 
That  ye  may  prove  the  promise  of  the  land, 
And  high  upon  the  laurell'd  mountain  stand  ! 
Make  it  fame's  birth-day — far  in  time  to  live, 
And  a  new  honour  to  your  country  give. 

"  I  feel  your  hearts  : — when  I  in  years  was  young, 
To  strike  for  Liberty  my  bosom  sprung ; 
Nor  was  it  long,  before  the  period  rose,  260 

Which  offer'd  battle  to  the  enslaving  foes  ; 
The  summons  caus'd  my  heart's  best  drops  to  thrill — 
It  flam'd  my  blood  with  fire  unquenchable. 

"  But  suffer  not  these  thoughts  to  press  too  far  ; 
'Tis  yours,  defensive  to  maintain  the  war ; 
Strengthen  the  fort,  and,  with  attentive  eye, 
Mark  well  the  movements  of  the  enemy. 
In  mind,  conceive  them  ever  in  your  sight, 
Then  they'll  surprise  you  nor  in  day  nor  night.          269 

*  Capt.  Benjamin  Johnson,  of  Boon  County,  Kentucky. 


88  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XIII. 

And  when  they  crowd  the  shore,  your  worth  maintain, 
Should  they  like  waves  come  pouring  on  the  plain  ; 
Smother  your  brass  till  they  shall  strive  access, 
Then  let  its  voice  your  hearts'  resolve  express. 

"  My  blessing  now  receive.     My  words  obey — 
May  fame  attend  you  on  the  trial  day." 

As  when  a  father  gives  his  sons  advice 
To  shun  the  path  of  infamy's  abyss — 
Points  to  the  laure!  on  the  mountain  height, 
Where  Virtue  sits  enthron'd  in  amber  light, 
Ready  to  place  the  wreath  upon  the  brow  280 

Of  those,  who  clamber  from  the  vale  below  : 

With  such  solicitude  the  hoary  sage 
Gave  his  instructions  to  the  green  in  age, 
Who,  while  he  spoke,  stood  silent  in  their  gaze  ; 
But  when  he  ceas'd,  they  echo'd  forth  his  praise  : 

"  Thy  words  engrav'd  upon  our  hearts  we  bear — 
And  O,  may  heaven  protect  thee  in  its  care  !" 

The  offering  from  their  soul  touch'd  Shelby's  form 
With  glow  exquisite,  as  when  boreal  storm 
Has  rag'd  a  winter's  day,  but  lo  at  even,  290 

Breaks  and  displays  the  angel  robes  of  heaven. 

Croghan  commands  in  centre  of  the  line  : 
"  Each  eye-beam  steady  to  the  right  incline  ! 
By  tens  break  off !     The  musick  beat  resound  ! 
Forward  !"    They  move  with  spirit  from  the  ground, 
Waving  their  banners  as  they  wheel  in  file, 
Their  features  soften'd  with  departing  smile. 

Soon  as  was  lost  the  musick  on  the  air, 
(While  still  unbroken  was  the  martial  square,) 


nw  FORT  MPrr<!  80 

Or      FUK I      JVU&lljd.  (    • 


Brief  was  the  veteran's  order :  u  Each  to  post  I         300 
Away  I     Behold  the  standards  of  the  host 
Flicker  in  sight  I     And  let  them  darkening  pour, 
We  stand  a  rock  to  break  their  flooding  power." 

The  Patriots  heard,  resolv'd  upon  the  war 
To  stand,  till  death  life's  charter  should  withdraw. 

While  this  was  passing, — with  a  haughty  port, 
Proctor  advanc'd  to  overcome  the  fort ; 
But  far  beyond  its  reach  he  stay'd  his  force, 
And  call'd  his  chiefs — address'd  them  this  discourse  : 

"  Transport  your  warriors,  Elliot,  o'er  the  wave  ;  310 
Be  ready  there,  their  stubborn  hearts  to  grave  ; 
Against  the  fortress  cast  a  breast- work  mound, 
Early  at  dawn  to  strike  it  to  the  ground. 
Your  fighting-men,  Cawataw,  on  his  rear 
Will  move,  to  wield  the  battle-axe  and  spear  ; 
And  should  you  there  superior  numbers  need, 
Fly  to  Tecumseh  with  a  tiger  speed  ; 
Ambush'd  he  lies  in  yon  deep  vale  of  wood, 
Whetting  his  axe  to  search  their  hidden  blood. 

"  Reynolds  and  Muir  conduct  your  legions  round,  320 
Rear  of  their  flag,  and  let  your  brass  resound, 
Unless  the  Eagle's  wing  shall  flap  the  dust, 
Their  swords  reverted — in  their  scabbards  thj  ust. 

"  With  Chambers,  I,  upon  their  front  shall  stand 
With  good  Tekelah.     Like  an  iron  band 
We'll  lock  them  here, — none  from  the  fort  shall  hie — 
Whoe'er  attempts  it — on  our  steels  shall  die  !" 

Each  in  due  form  complies :  Elliot  glides  o'er 
Miami's  stream  and  lands  upon  the  shore  : 


90  PREDON1AD.      CANTO  XIII. 

Cawataw  follows,  silent  on  the  flood,  330 

His  features  working  with  the  thoughts  of  blood. 
Reynolds  and  Muir  proceed  upon  the  rear  ; 
Proctor  and  Chambers  on  the  front  appear. 

Thus  while  beleaguer'd  is  the  forted  power, 
The  royals  feel  their  hearts'  ambition  tower  : 
Their  looks  express  impatience  to  behold 
The  Stars  sublime,  in  dark  submission  roll'd. 
With  mouths  halfstretch'd,  the  savage,  leaning  bend, 
To  see  the  Eagle  from  her  perch  descend  ; 
Uneasy  gestures  prove  their  fretting  mind,  340 

That  the  proud  bird  still  rides  upon  the  wind. 

So  mountain  panthers,  watching  their  repast, 
Of  lambs,  or  spotted  kids  in  covert  fast, 
Move  with  soft  breath  and  easy  footsteps   round, 
Contorting,  crouching  smooth  along  the  ground  ; 
Their  eyes  reveal  the  raving  of  their  maws 
To  suck  their  blood  and  tear  them  with  their  claws. 

Not  otherwise  the  druling  savage  seem 
To  act  the  theatre  of  Raisin's  stream. 

Elliot  at  length  upon  the  adverse  bank, —  350 

Cawataw's  fighting-men  on  either  flank, — 
In  regal  pomp  his  battle-line  drew  forth, 
And  strove  to  smite  the  Eagle  to  the  earth. 

The  forted  Patriots,  as  he  circled  round, 
Observ'd  his  motions — rivetted  profound, 
That  should  he  venture  where  their  globes  would  reach. 
A  wholesome  caution  to  his  pride  to  teach, — 
Hence,  when  he  open'd  with  his  line  of  fire, 
Ready  they  stood — all  anxious  their  desire 


SIEGE    OP    PORT    ME1GS.  91 

To  ply  the  match — the  chamber'd  dust  to  burn,          360 

And  back  their  life  to  elements  return. 

They  bend  their  ears  to  catch  the  veteran's  word — 

Who  in  the  centre  standing,  bar'd  his  sword, 

And  spoke  them  patience  :  "  Be  not  hasty,  men — 

To  me  this  warfare  is  a  sporting  scene  ; 

Against  their  efforts  we  securely  stand  ; 

But  soon  their  blood  we'll  sprinkle  on  the  land. 

##*#****# 

"  Behold,  unwary,  in  a  cube  they  crowd  ! 
Advance  the  fire,  and  give  them  thunder  loud." 

The  act  was  done  before  his  word  was  cold —       370 
The  guns  disgorging,  ranks  of  Elliot  roll'd 
Headlong  to  ruin, — piecemeal  every  part, 
While  some  yet  quiver,  bleeding  from  the  heart 
The  savage  scatter  with  bewilder'd  eye, 
And  bear  their  slaughter'd  with  a  howling  cry. 

When  Elliot  hurl'd  his  vollies  o'er  the  stream, 
The  soul  of  Proctor  mounted  every  flame  ; 
At  times  he  thought  he  stood  upon  the  fort, 
And,  that  the  Indians  had  begun  their  sport  ; 
But  when  the  heroes  bade  their  engines  speak,         380 
A  ghastly  paleness  settled  on  his  cheek  ; 
His  soul  sunk  grovelling  in  the  dust  of  earth  ; 
He  felt  the  rotten  fabrick  of  his  birth. 

A  bacchanalian  thus,  in  heat  of  wine, 
With  swaggering  boasts  the  lineage  of  his  line  ; 
And  as  the  fumes  pervade  his  reeling  brains, 
Beyond  the  reach  of  thought  hissumless  gains; 
While  thus  he  on  the  wing  of  fancy  soars, 
Till  he  concludes  his  name  the  world  adores, 


92  FKEDONIAD.      CANTO   XIII. 

By  falling  from  a  precipice  on  high,  390 

He  gains  his  reason  with  sobriety  ; 

His  fancied  grandeur  passes  like  a  dream  ; 

He  views  his  nakedness  and  rags  with  shame  : 

So  Proctor  when  he  saw  the  cannon's  flash. 
Felt  an  ice  feeling,  cold  as  water's  dash. 

At  length,  when  rous'd  his  blood,  to  Chambers,  Short, 
He  gave  instructions  with  a  regal  port : 

"  It  seems  yon  mound  retains  a  serpent's  nest, 
Hence,  we  this  night  no  thought  must  give  to  rest. 

"  Short,  this  commission  bear  to  Reynolds,  Muir,  400 
That  they  intrench  and  make  themselves  secure 
Against  the  fortified.     At  day's  first  gleam, 
Their  battering-guns  explode  with  levell'd  flame. 
Chambers,  'tis  yours  to  draw  the  lines  at  hand, 
To  bow  their  haughty  standard  in  the  sand. 
At  equal  distances  three  bastions  raise, 
That  at  the  moment  Reynolds,  Muir  shall  blaze, 
To  let  the  mortars  cast  the  shells  to  heaven, 
That  down  to  death  the  enemy  be  driven." 

Short  pass'd  the  word  to  Reynolds  and  to  Muir,  4JO 
While  Chambers  stood  to  make  the  front  secure, 
Soon  as  approaching  Night  her  veil  should  draw 
To  hide  his  purpose  of  besieging  war. 

Lo,  now  the  lamp  that  burns  with  oil  divine 
Drowns  in  the  ocean — all  its  golden  shine 
Fades  meltingly  away  :  but  soon  appear, 
A  troop  of  stars  in  heaven's  broad  theatre, 
Partial  conceal'd  by  floating  clouds,  as  light 
As  angel  mantles,  edg'd  with  spotless  white. 


SIEGE    OP    FORT    MEIGS.  93 

The  royals  soon  their  different  works  commence,  420 
None  scarce  breathe  whispers,  labouring  for  defence. 
With  pointed  instruments  some  break  the  soil  ; 
To  raise  and  form  the  mound  another's  toil. 
They  force  their  energies  till  chaf 'd  with  heat— 
Their  panting  bosoms  bath'd  in  reeking  sweat. 
Through  embrasures,  half  form'd,  the  cannon  grin, 
Ready  at  dawn  explosion  to  begin. 

The  meantime  Shelby  to  each  officer, 
These  thoughts  express'd  to  probe  his  character  :      429 

•'  While  night's  deep  curtain  veils  the  prospect  round, 
What  daring  chief  will  venture  from  the  ground, 
And  reconnoitre  Albion's  camp  afar, 
To  learn  what  method  he  intends  to  war  ; 
Or  with  his  ladders  to  o'erleap  the  walls, 
Or  them  to  batter  with  his  bombs  and  balls." 

Scarce  his  design  the  veteran  warrior  broach'd, 
When  numbers  anxious  for  their  fame  approach'd 
To  search  the  enemy  in  darkness  forth, 
And  spread  their  names  of  valour  through  the  earth. 
Payne,  Bradford,  Longham,  Miller,  Johnson,*  bold,  440 
And  Campbell,  Butler,  Metcalf,  Guin,  enroll'd 
With  those  of  honour — Nearing,  Stoddard  tall. 
And  Alexander,  reckless  of  the  ball  ; 
Each  lays  his  claim  of  honour  to  engage, 
And  courts  the  danger  as  a  privilege. 

"  By  lot  must  I  this  noble  strife  decide," 
Shelby  half  tearful  in  his  joy  replied. 

Hasty  within  a  canister  he  threw 
Ten  blanks  and  one — the  twelfth  he  gave  their  view,  449 

*  Judge  John  T.  Johnson,  of  Georgetown;  Kentucky. 


94  FREDONIAD.       CANTO    XIII. 

Then  dropp'd  ifspeaking  :  "Who  this  prize  shall  gain 
Shall  rule  the  scout  of  night  upon  the  plain." 

In  turn  each  hero  for  the  number  draws, 
As  though  his  life  depended  on  the  cause  ; 
For,  without  fame,  this  life  is  small  avail. 
Like  a  dull  song,  or  thrice  repeated  tale. 
They  draw  with  trembling  bosoms.     Lo,  the  prize 
Campbell  receives,  which  ends  anxieties  ; 
It  touch'd  him  with  a  thrill  through  every  part, 
Like  a  rich  jewel  to  a  miser's  heart. 

In  olden  time  his  sire  in  battle  stood  460 

With  Shelby,  Williams,  and  Seveare  the  good  ; 
And  he,  of  late,  had  drawn  his  scimitar 
On  the  red  fields  of  Mississinewa  ; 
But  short  and  brilliant  is  his  race  on  earth  ; 
The  season  rolls  but  once  when  heaven  will  call  him  forth. 

Six  he  makes  choice,  each  gifted  with  a  mind, 
Which  nought  but  paralyzing  death  could  bind  ; 
Clark,  Jones,  and  Williams,  Norton,  Ellis,  White, 
To  give  him  succour  through  the  walks  of  night. 
They  gird  their  armour,  battle-axe  and  sword  ;         470 
And  now  they  listen  to  the  veteran's  word  : 

"  Use  every  caution — every  act  beware  ; 
Note  every  object  as  you  onward  fare  ; 
You'll  estimate  their  numbers  if  you  can, 
And  who  commands  the  left,  and  who  the  van  ; 
Where  lie  the  savages,  and  who  their  chief, 
And  what  reserve  is  ready  for  rslief. 
Be  bold  yet  cautious,  and  your  fame  will  rise, 
And  be  remember'd  for  the  enterprise. 
The  waning  moon  at  midnight  will  appear,  480 

And  then  you'll  hasten  to  rejoin  me  here." 


SIEGE    OP    FORT    ME1GS.  95 

"  We  prudent  thy  instructions  shall  fulfil," 
Campbell  replies,  "should  heaven  but  grant  our  will." 

This  said,  he  bow'd  his  sword  and  onward  pass'd. 
Faint  o'er  the  plains  the  stars  a  glimmering  cast. 

While  this  transpir'd,  Bratlet  to  Proctor  came, 
(Th'  intentions  cherish'd  in  his  breast  the  same) 
To  whom  he  gave  his  views  :  "  And  would  you  know 
The  numbers,  strength,  and  purpose  of  the  foe  ? 
Or  whether  he  resigns, — or  desperate  bent,  490 

Will  guard  defensive  his  imprisonment  ?" 

Proctor  quick  answer'd  :  "  Who,  what  man  will  dare 
To  venture  forth  and  gain  the  fortress  there  ?" 

"  That  venturer,  I  am  he  ;  yes,  I  dare  go, 
And  the  whole  secret  of  the  fort  I'll  know  ; 
Their  habits  I  can  imitate  so  well, 
With  ease  can  I  my  character  conceal. 
This  royal  scarlet  I'll  exchange  for  blue, 
And  then  their  dialect  will  bear  me  through. 
Without  a  stammer  artful  will  I  say,  500 

That  I  was  captur'd  on  that  slaughter  day, 
When  Allen  bow'd  to  death, — but  now  had  fled 
While  you  were  slumbering  as  though  life  were  dead. 
This  would  our  labours  cover  till  the  light 
Brought  them  to  view — completed  for  the  fight. 

"  This  plan  my  heart  informs  me  will  succeed — 
Approve  my  purpose — I'll  perform  the  deed." 
Proctor  rejoin'd  :  "  Bratlet,  of  daring  men, 
More  brave  are  you  that  ever  I  have  seen. 
At  your  return  large  honours  will  be  thine,  510 

You  with  proud  gifts  magnificent  will  shine." 


96  FREDONIAD.       CANTO    XIII. 

The  thoughts  of  regal  bounties  swell'd  his  pride  ; 
He  doff'd  his  royal  robes  to  be  supplied 
With  such  as  freemen  wear.     And  false  to  show, 
He  fix'd  an  eagle  helmet  on  his  brow ; 
Breast-plate  a  star.     A  hunter's  garb  was  thrown, 
Loose  o'er  his  shoulders,  that  he  might  be  known 
As  native  of  Kentucky's  fattening  earth, 
Or  that  Ohio  was  his  place  of  birth. 

Transfashion'd  thus  to  the  Kentuckian  guise,         520 
With  lofty  stepping  through  the  night  he  hies. 

The  meantime  Campbell,  cautious,  mark'd  the  ground. 
His  ear  attentive  to  each  rustling  sound  ; 
With  bended  eye  he  pass'd  from  left  to  right, 
Conceal'd  beneath  the  growing  shades  of  night. 

"  Listen  !  methinks  I  hear  a  stepping  sound  ! 
Keep  close — crouch  low — lie  prone  upon  the  ground. 
Hark  !  more  distinct  it  strikes  upon  our  ears  ! 
The  moving  shadow  of  a  man  appears  ! 
He  seems  though  musing  in  a  happy  vein —  530 

Silent — no  whisper — let  him  pass  the  plain. 
But  at  the  moment  he  beyond  us  hies, 
Smother  his  voice,  and  seize  him  by  surprise.'' 

This  soft  he  breath'd  as  Bratlet  strode  in  view, 
While  fancy's  pictur'd  visions  round  him  flew  ; 
Musing  delighted  on  his  promis'd  fame  ; 
The  titles  royal  to  salute  his  name. 

"  In  honours  shall  I  class  with  Wellington  ; 
Then,  no  inferiors  will  1  look  upon  ; 
The  king  will  deign  a  smile — and  London  stare,        540 
And,  pointing  as  I  pass  :  '  That's  Bratlet  there, 


SIEGE    OP   FORT   MEIGS.  97 

The  knight  of  Meigs  ! — with  ornamental  star  ! 
A  prize  his  valour  purchas'd  in  the  war.' 

"  Delicious  sounds  ! — it  ravishes  my  heart  ! 

What  bosom  can  desire  " 

The  Patriots  dart, 

And  seize  him  in  his  pride  ! 

In  golden  wheat, 

Like  him  a  peacock  stepp'd  with  haughty  feet, 
Arching  his  plumes  ;  his  wings  hard  swept  the  ground, 
His  feathers  trembling,  buzz'd  with  humming  sound. 
It  happen'd  that  a  fox  was  passing  by,  550 

Who,  couchant,  niark'd  him  in  his  vanity, 
Ready  to  leap  and  seize  him  in  his  teeth, 
And  bend  him  humble  in  the  dust  beneath  ; 
Lo,  at  the  time  he  whirring  wheel'd  around, 
Reynard  sprang  forward  from  his  hiding  ground. 
And  fix-'d  upon  his  throat  ! — his  plumes  sunk  low, — 
A  trembling  captive  to  his  artful  foe. 

Not  otherwise  the  hopes  of  Bratlet  fled  ; 
His  heart  ceas'd  beating — for  the  moment  dead. 
Campbell  the  motion  of  his  tongue  confin'd,  560 

His  voice  to  smother  from  the  telltale  wind  : 

"  Attend  me  while  I  speak  !     But  whisper  loud. 
Your  soul  shall  shriek  on  yonder  midnight  cloud  ! 
But  thou  shalt  kindness  from  our  hands  receive, 
If  equal  favour  you  to  us  shall  give  ; 
To  be  a  captive  is  the  fate  of  arms  ; 
But  hold  thy  peace  and  cast  away  alarms." 

This  said  ;  the  muffle  from  his  lips  he  took  ; 
Bratlet  made  answer  while  his  knee-joints  shook  : 
9    VOL.  ii. 


98  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XIII. 

"  Your  friend  I'll  ever  be  !   My  life  but  spare,      570 
And  I  will  nothing  of  the  truth  forbear ! 
Yea,  should  I  not  minute  each  purpose  tell, 
You  forth  may  slay  me  like  an  infidel. 

"  Proctor  abides  in  front — two  thousand  strong — 
The  same  in  number  opposite  belong 
To  Elliot  and  Cawataw — brewing  spite, 
Tekelah  rules  a  thousand  for  the  fight. 
Reynolds  defends  the  left,  sustained  by  Muir, 
Outnumbering  Elliot — names  to  long  endure. 
Tecumseh  stern,  unconquerable  im  mind,  580 

Lies  in  deep  darkness  with  reserve  behind  ; 
Should  Elliot  succour  need,  he  stands  conceal'd 
To  stretch  your  people  cold  upon  the  field. 

"  Hard  now  they  labour  breasted  works  to  raise, 
Early  at  day  upon  the  fort  to  blaze." 

Campbell  with  promptness  to  his  speech  rejoins : 
"  I  did  not  urge  you  to  divulge  your  lines ; 
Your  voluntary  act.     I  pass'd  my  word, 
That  I  to  you  protection  would  afford  ; 
That  wretch  my  soul  abhors  of  human  kind,  590 

Who  treats  a  captive  with  a  savage  mind  ; 

But  Raisin O  thy  stream  ! 

"  The  thought  expire  ! 

Nor  rouse  my  bosom  to  avenging  ire — 

********* 

"  I  understand  you,  that  the  royals  now 
Are  at  intrenchments — thither  let  us  go  !" 

He  question'd  for  the  truth.     Bratlet  replies  : 
«'  I'll  lead  you  to  the  tent  where  Proctor  lies  !" 

Campbell  with  frown  return'd  :  "  It  may  not  be 
A  traitor  heart  to  be  a  guide  to  me  ! 


SIEGE   OF   PORT   MEIGS.  99 

u  At  first  I  thought  you  overcome  by  fear  ;  600 

To  guard  your  life,  became  a  volunteer  ; 
Describ'd  minute  where  your  divisions  lay, 
And  what  their  secret  purposes  at  day  ; 
But  then  a  soldier,  jealous  of  his  fame, 
Would  rather  ask  to  plunge  in  melting  flame, 
Than  he  the  plans  of  warfare  would  disclose — 
Spreading  them  open  to  his  country's  foes. 

"  'Tis  true,  a  man  who  trembles  for  his  all, 
Might  for  the  moment  from  his  duty  fall ; 
And  the  sharp  cruelties  at  Raisin's  shore,  610 

Might  start  the  life-streams  back  from  every  pore, 
Causing  the  blood  to  curdle  at  your  fate, 
That  we  avenging  would  retaliate  ; 
But  when  sincere  I  plighted  you  my  word, 
That  I  to  you  protection  would  afford, 
Without  a  motive  you  divulg'd  the  plan, 
^hich  prompts  your  army  from  its  rear  to  van. 

"  Ah,  but  your  soul  fair  Virtue  doth  defile ; 
Hence,  you  forebode  that  others  are  as  vile. 

"  At  first,  I  purpos'd  nothing  to  believe,  620 

For  much  I  thought  you  labour'd  to  deceive, 
Till  at  this  moment  you'd  direct  the  way 
To  search  for  Proctor,  and  his  friends  betray. 

"  Though  that  to  me  the  information  given 
Is  precious,  bord'ring  on  the  light  of  heaven, 
Yet  still  my  bosom  feels  the  traitor  vile, 
Causing  my  blood  indignantly  to  boil  ; 
Worse  than  a  serpent,  secret  in  his  wrath  ; 
Insidious  winding,  poisoning  in  his  path. 

"  Williams  and  Newton,  bear  him  to  the  fort        630 
And  to  the  chief  the  circumstance  report ! 


100  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XIII. 

But,  Ellis,  you  and  Jones,  and  Clark,  and  White, 
Will  farther  aid  me  to  explore  the  night.'' 

Newton  and  Williams  to  the  veteran  led 
The  humbled  Bratlet, — while  with  smother'd  tread, 
Campbell  proceeded  to  the  Albion  line, 
Where  they  intent  were  urging  their  design. 
They  hear  the  mattocks  as  they  rip  the  ground, 
And  the  rais'd  earth  that  rumbles  on  the  mound. 

.Slow  as  they  move,  a  serpent  eye  they  keep,         640 
Watching  the  shadows  of  the  midnight  deep. 
A  row  of  shining  points  they  near  descry, 
Which  gives  them  note  a  sentry  passes  nigh, 
Obscure,  like  poplar  broken  by  a  storm, 
Man's  height  from  earth — thus  doubtful  was  his  form. 
The  buruish'd  barrel  of  his  weapon  shows, 
As  though  a  branch  from  out  its  side  arose, 
And  that  o'erlaid  with  ice,  from  which  the  shine 
Of  s{ar£  was  back  reflected  in  a  line.  64'J 

Clark  whispers  Campbell :  "  Mark  that  object  there  ! 
A  royal  watch,  that  bids  us  to  beware  ; 
J  feel  a  stirring  in  my  soul  inclin'd 
To  move  without  erupting  of  his  mind, 
And  seize  and  muffle,  that  no  sound  may  rise 
T'  alarm  the  foe,  and  break  the  enterprise. 
Secur'd  he  must  be,  ere  that  we  can  hope 
To  pass  beyond  him  to  observe  their  scope." 

Him,  Campbell  answer'd  :  "  By  this  elm  we'll  rest, 
WThile  you  proceed  to  compass  your  request  ; 
Notice,  the  top  has  a  peculiar  bent  6CO 

To  be  your  guide — accomplish'd  the  event." 

Clark  moves  with  heedful  caution  o'er  the  heath, 
By  parts  expiring  and  receiving  breath  ; 


SIEGE    OP    FORT    MEIGS.  101 

Now  scarce  he  feels  his  heart — but  now  enlarg'd 
With  gladdening  hope,  and  rushing  blood  surcharged, 
It  strikes  so  strong  and  full  upon  his  breast, 
He  thinks  the  sound  is  thunder  from  the  west. 

A  tree,  vexatious,  intercepts  his  way, 
O'erthrown  by  lightnings  in  an  ancient  day  ; 
He  feels  his  path,  and  inches  by  degrees  ;  670 

For  he  the  guard  so  evidently  sees, 
He  apprehends  his  eyes  would  him  remark. 
And  aim  his  life  and  leave  him  in  the  dark. 

At  length  the  tangling  of  the  boughs  was  pass'd, 
Save  one,  but  that,  unhappy,  held  him  fast ! 
His  heart  that  moment  with  rich  blood  was  full, 
But  now  he  thought  the  bullet  touch'd  his  skull  ! 

His  foot  to  disengage  he  turn'd  him  round, 
The  brittle  branch  broke  short  ! — which  in  its  sound 
Seem'd  to  his  ear  more  loud  than  thunder  storms,     680 
When  mid-day  tempest  heaven's  bright  face  deforms. 

The  Briton  startled  though  a  ghost  had  come 
To  seize  and  drag  him  downward  to  the  tomb  ! 
Wilder'd  he  erring  at  the  object  fir'd, 
And  with  hair  straighten'd,  from  his  post  retir'd. 

Swift  through  the  lines  the  sentries  caught  th'  alarm, 
And  by  quick  vollies  notified  to  arm. 
The  drums  loud  rattled, — sharp  fifes  whistled  shrill — 
Discordant  voices  echoed  horrible. 

"  Snatch, — seize  weapons !"  the  officers  command  ;  690 
"  Where  rush  th'  enemy  V  sounds  through  all  the  land. 
The  instruments  of  toil  are  hurl'd  away  ; 
But  some  in  panick  bear  them  for  the  fray. 


102  FREDONFAD.       CANTO    XIII. 

A  horrid  multitude,  confus'd  they  fly, 
Grasping  their  arms  to  face  their  enemy. 
Proctor  awakening  midst  the  uproar'd  sound, 
Abrupt  exclaims  ;  "  Is  hell  upon  the  ground  !" 
Elliot,  the  Indians  on  the  flank  and  rear, 
Leap  from  their  bloody  dreams  with  bowlings  drear  ; 
The  'larum  engines  start  the  ear  of  night ;  700 

Reynolds  and  Muir  stand  planted  for  the  fight. 

So,  late  in  Boston,  when  the  night  was  still, 
A  watchman  standing  on  her  State-House-Hill, 
Beheld  a  sparkle  at  a  distance  rise, 
Which  soon  enlarging  flashes  up  the  skies  ; 
Fire  !  fills  his  voice,  which  to  a  shriek  he  strains 
T'  alarm  the  watches  through  the  devious  lanes  ; 
The  nearest  watchman  hears  the  direful  note, 
And  forth  the  same  is  echo'd  from  his  throat  ; 
Another,  and  another,  and  another  screams,  710 

Till  the  dread  tumult  gains  the  far  extremes. 
A  various  din  comes  pealing  from  the  bells  ; 
The  city  wakening  from  its  sleepy  spells, 
Startles  with  wildness  from  its  bed  of  down 
The  raging  element  with  floods  to  drown. 
The  whirling  engines  o'er  the  pavement  tear, 
A  deafening  sound  convulsing  on  the  air  ; 
The  panick  seizes  on  the  old  and  young, 
The  turmoil  thickening  with  confusion's  tongue, 
All  ignorant,  asking  whence  the  flames  proceed,       720 
As  on  they  hurry  with  a  panting  speed. 

With  such  commotion  swells  the  dire  alarm 
Through  every  circle  of  the  camp  to  arm. 


SIEGE    OF    FORT   ME1GS.  103 

Meantime  in  safety  Clark  to  Campbell  came ; 
And  each,  diverted,  saw  the  passing  game. 

"  Listen  !"  Campbell  exclaim'd,  "  methinks  1  hear 
The  sound  of  carriage  passing  from  the  rear  ! 
Yes,  through  the  night  the  cannon  I  perceive  ; 
An  army  now  we'll  make  them  to  believe. 
Reynolds  in  hurry  has  despatch'd  it  forth,  730 

Proctor  to  save  from  falling  to  the  earth. 

"  Brief  from  the  coward  scabbard  bare  the  sword, 
Ready  to  rush  when  I  pronounce  the  word." 

They  draw  their  falchions  at  command,  and  lie 
In  ambush,  till  the  brass  comes  jolting  by. 

"  Battalions  !  strike  the  heart  !"     The  heroes  dash. 
Wielding  their  brands,  with  which  death  wounds  they 

gash, 

Like  four  dark  spirits  leaping  from  a  cloud, 
With  spears  of  moon-beams  lighting  up  the  shroud. 
The  Britons  bleed — four  slumber  with  the  dead,        740 
The  rest  surpris'd,  stand  overcome  with  dread. 

"  Yield — render  up  the  brass,  or  each  shall  die  ! 
For  Raisin's  blood  your  lives  we'll  crucify  !" 

A  trembling  voice  replied  with  bosom  pent : 
"  We  yield — and  crave  thy  anger  to  relent, 
Behold,  our  arms  are  broken  in  the  dust ! 
In  thy  protection  merciful  we  trust  !" 

"  And  never  was  that  mercy  crav'd  in  vain," 
Him  Campbell  answer'd  in  the  mildest  strain. 
"  Newton,  in  front  of  the  escort  proceed,  750 

And  to  the  fort  conduct  them  on  with  speed  !" 
(With  art  the  warrior  made  a  lofty  show 
In  words,  as  if  superior  to  the  foe.) 


104  FREDONIAD.       CANTO   XIII. 

"  White,  Ellis,  with  your  guards  pursue  their  rear, 
While  charge  shall  I,  this  savage  Proctor  here  !" 

"  General  !"  (thus  Newton  echo'd  the  deceit,) 
"  To  me  no  second  time  your  words  repeat. 

"  Britons  !  observe  my  progress  o'er  the  field, 
And  know,  my  arm  shall  be  your  guardian  shield, 
But  should  you  vary  from  the  onward  path,  760 

Brief  be  your  prayer,  for  sudden  is  our  wrath." 

No  more  is  utter'd — for  they  need  no  more — 
Newton  they  follow  to  the  forted  power  ; 
While  Clark  and  Campbell  in  their  place  remain, 
Profound  in  silence  on  the  uproar'd  plain. 

Meanwhile  the  allies  such  confusion  made, 
No  echo  reach'd  them  of  what  Campbell  said. 
But  soon  they  silenc'd,  caution'd  by  their  fears, 
Their  eyebrows  bent  and  listening  with  their  ears — 
Not  daring  movement — dubious  of  the  way,  770 

That  Campbell's  army  should  their  strength  assay. 

Now  Proctor,  mounted,  passing  round  the  lines, 
This  on  his  host  repeatedly  enjoins  : 

"  Britons  !  stand  watchful  ! — evil  is  the  hour, 
But  let  none  doubt  but  we'll  subdue  their  power  ; 
At  stirring  noise,  or  at  the  sign  of  flame, 
Let  every  Albion  vindicate  his  name. 
Diverge  the  right  wing,  Chambers,  to  the  bank 
Of  the  Miami  to  protect  its  flank. 

"  Who   would  have  thought  they'd  burst  their  prison 
doors  780 

In  depth  of  night  to  strike  us  from  the  shores  1" 

While  Proctor  thus  to  his  battalions  spoke, 
Campbell  to  Clark  these  observations  broke  : 


SIEGE    OP    PORT    MEIGS.  105 

"  And  mark  you  not  how  solidly  they  form 
To  brave  the  shock,  should  we  with  bayonets  storm  ? 
But  scarce  can  I  presume  that  you,  or  I, 
Have  strength  alone  to  make  an  army  die  ; 
Though  much  1  doubt,  that  we  in  this  shall  bear, 
Yet  still  I  feel  to  act  upon  their  fear, 
By  which  we  might  their  growing  works  delay          790 
Till  Dudley  shall  arrive,  Adair,  and  Clay." 

He  paus'd.     And  Clark  with  modesty  began  : 
u  Our  feats  already  have  delay 'd  their  plan  ; 
But  obvious  it  is  not,  how  we  can  more 
By  artful  enterprise  disturb  their  power. 
What  can  our  weakness  'gainst  a  host  perform 1 
An  elephant  as  soon  would  crush  beneath  a  worm. 
But  could  we  secret  wind  upon  their  rear, 
We  might,  perchance,  continue  them  in  fear  ; 
But  no  vain  circumstance  will  now  suffice,  800 

As  each  stands  listening  for  an  enterprise  ; 
But  what  your  pondering  wisdom  shall  devise, 
To  break  the  labour  of  our  enemies, 
With  best  endeavours  will  I  push  the  plan, 
In  centre,  or  the  wings,  in  rear,  or  van." 

The  time  that  Clark  with  Campbell  thus  conferr'd, 
Scarce  by  the  chief  a  syllable  was  heard, 
So  absent,  musing  in  the  depth  of  mind, 
Some  better  plan  within  himself  to  find. 

Like  him,  was  Newton  on  his  theory  bent,  810 

Searching  what  cause  upheld  the  firmament  ; 
Tracing  the  compass  of  the  sun  in  heaven, 
The  earth,  the  moon,  the  planets  round  him  driven  ; 
Measuring  the  comets  infinite  in  flight 
Through  the  deep  darkness  of  chaotick  night, 


106 


FREDONIAD.       CANTO  XIII. 


From  thence,  he  kenn'd  them  in  his  mental  eye 

Through  the  waste  regions  of  immensity  ; 

Vast  as  they  wheel'd  their  mighty  circuit  round 

Back  to  the  glory  of  high  heaven  profound, 

He  mark'd  the  boundless  ocean  of  their  blaze,  820 

Which  fill'd  the  race  of  mortals  with  amaze  ! 

While  musing  thus,  with  wisdom's  light  illum'd, 

He  heard  not  thunder,  with  himself  entomb'd. 

*####**## 

At  length  a  thought,  most  obvious  when  it  came, 
Shot  through  his  mind  like  flashing  of  a  flame  ; 
His  thoughts  far-stretch'd  were  roving  o'er  the  land, 
While  all  the  means  were  ready  at  his  hand. 

So  hunters,  harness'd  for  excursion  long, 
Enter  the  wilds  with  resolution  strong  ; 
Pass  down  the  vallies — rise  the  hills — descend —     830 
Ford  the  broad  rivers — round  the  ledges  bend, 
Which  hold  the  mountains  uo.— then  scour  the  Dlain— 
But  not  the  object  of  their  toils  they  gain  ; 
At  length  exhausted  by  their  vain  pursuit, 
Back  they  return,  their  efforts  to  recruit ; 
But  lo,  as  they  their  starting  place  draw  near, 
Close  at  the  path  they  spy  the  herded  deer, 
Which  they  had  pass'd  unnotic'd  in  their  heat, 
In  slumber  crouch'd  directly  at  their  feet.  839 

Thus  Campbell's  mind,  while  labouring  to  conceive 
Some  swift  alarm  with  hurry  to  achieve, 
Had  wander'd,  like  the  hunters  in  the  chase, 
While  all  the  means  were  ready  at  his  place. 

"  How  truant  are  my  thoughts  !     The  cannon  deep, 
Charge,  and  plant  angling  through  their  lines  to  sweep, 


SIEGE   OP   FORT   MEIGS.  107 

Then  let  a  slow-match  to  the  prime  bear  fire, 
And  while  it  sparkles,  to  the  fort  retire  !" 

Scarce  this  design  was  echo'd  from  his  tongue, 
When  both  excited  with  a  feeling  young,  849 

Prepar'd  the  brass — Deep  in  its  womb  they  cramm'd 
The  flaming  dust,  then  hard  the  glut  they  ramm'd, 
On  which,  with  labour  that  made  short  their  breath, 
They  drove  with  hollow  sound  the  means  of  death  ; 
They  prim'd  the  vent,  and  o'er  it  plac'd  the  fuse — 
This  done,  they  wheel'd  it  to  effect  their  views. 

And  now,  while  all  is  in  expectance  dark, 
Campbell  from  smitten  steel  emits  a  spark, 
Lighting  the  match-fuse  with  a  hissing  fire, 
And  while  it  sparkles  they  to  fort  retire.  859 

The  Albions  on  the  watch  quick  caught  the  flame : 
"  Behold  the  fire  !     With  vollies  smother  them  ! 
Pour  th'  artillery  forth  !     Life  turn  to  dust !" 

As  Proctor  spoke,  the  pregnant  cannon  burst, 
Death  in  its  sound  !     Five  twenties  felt  no  pain, 

And  twice  that  number  groan'd  upon  the  plain  ! 

####*#### 

But  soon  the  foe,  recovering  from  the  shock, 
With  harmless  war  the  shores  of  Erie  rock. 

Thus  when  deep  night  pours  down  an  opiate  rest, 
A  sable  cloud,  thick-rolling  from  the  west, 
Breaks  and  lets  blaze  its  thunder  on  the  earth,  870 

To  root  the  mountains  from  their  place  of  birth  ; 
Bolt  after  bolt,  with  lightnings  in  their  train, 
Drives  through  the  heavens  like  fiery  hurricane, 


108  FREDONIAD.      CANTO    XIII. 

Yet  jar  the  mountains  not, — firm  bas'd  beneath — 
Though  oft  they  scath  the  stubble  of  the  heath, 
And  seem  to  speak  the  agency  of  death. 

Scarce  with  less  turbulence — less  deafening  sound, 
The  Albions  fight  the  air  and  unresisting  ground  ! 

While  thus  the  enemy  their  strength  employ'd, 
The  forted  warriors  the  proud  scene  enjoy'd :  880 

"  This  deed  of  Campbell  will  old  Time  defy—" 
Thus  each  the  other  strives  in  praise  to  vie, 
"  This  night  is  his,  his  name  to  glorify  !" 

At  length  the  moon  on  Alleghany's  height, 
Show'd  her  bent  horns,  and  half  dissolv'd  the  night  ; 
The  royal  pride  was  cast  upon  the  earth, 
To  see  how  empty  was  their  strength  put  forth. 

So  banded  robbers  break  upon   a  store 
Of  wealthy  merchant  for  his  shining  ore  ; 
They  seize  a  package — bear  it  off  with  toil  890 

To  their  concealment  to  divide  the  spoil  ; 
In  high  expectance,  lo,  they  burst  the  band. 
And  find  their  treasure  but  a  chest  of  sand  ! 
Their  golden  feelings  are  reduc'd  to  lead  ; 
They  stand  shame-smitten  with  their  prospects  dead. 

Thus,  while  the  enemy  the  concave  tore, 
They  thought  the  patriots  gasping  in  their  gore, 
But  when  the  moon  expos'd  the  naked  heath. 
Their  haughty  feelings  lapt  the  dust  beneath  ; 
They  hung  their  heads  dishearten'd  with  their  shame, 
While  each  accus'd  the  other  with  the  blame.  901 


CANTO  XIV. 


DEFEAT  ON  THE  MIAMI, 


ARGUMENT 

Reinforcements  arrive  from  Kentucky. ...The  Fort  is  summoned  to 
surrender... .Bombardment. ...Elliot  driven  from  his  position  on  the 
west. ...The  ambuscade. ...The  death  of  Dudley. ...A  remnant  save 
themselves  by  breaking  through  the  enemy. 

The  scene  is  laid  at  Fort  Meigs  and  on  the  banks  of  the  Miami.... 
The  time  is  eight  hours. 


FREDONIAD. 


CANTO  XIV. 

WHEN,  by  the  moon  appearing  in  the  east, 
The  foe,  o'erspread  with  shame,  his  blazing  ceas'd, 
Shelby,  Harrison,  by  themselves  withdrew, 
Their  country's  welfare  ever  in  their  view  ; 
To  plan  a  method,  Proctor  to  defeat, 
Or  drive  him  back,  or  bring  him  to  their  feet. 

By  balancing  the  weight  of  either  side, 
In  this  position,  they  at  length  abide, 
Patient  their  active  measures  to  delay, 
Till  Dudley  should  arrive,  Adair,  or  Clay,  .       10 

Of  which  eight  captains  out  of  twelve  should  land 
Where  Elliot  stood,  and  smite  him  with  the  brand, 
While  from  the  fort  a  sortie  should  proceed 
And  quail  the  foe,  or  in  the  effort  bleed. 

While  these  events  were  passing,  led  by  Clay, 
The  bold  Kentuckians  had  pursu'd  their  way  ; 
Dudley,  then  Morrison  was  next  in  grade  ; 
Meade,  Murray  : — Trimble  was  the  general's  aid, 
Since  worthy  found,  and  honour'd  with  a  seat 
In  Freedom's  Hall,  where  sages,  patriots,  meet.          20 


112  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XIV. 

Down  the  Miami  in  light  keels  they  run 
To  reach  the  foe,  that  had  the  murders  done  : 
And  while  that  Shelby  in  his  wisdom  plann'd, 
And  Harrison,  to  drive  them  from  the  land, 
Twelve  furlongs,  reaching  from  where  Reynolds  stood 
They  leap'd  to  shore,  rejoicing  from  the  flood  ; 
And  Trimble  to  the  fort  was  sent  to  learn, 
Where  they  against  the  enemy  should  turn. 

As  back  from  earth  the  shades  of  night  were  driven, 
The  morn  appearing  at  the  gate  of  heaven,  30 

Trimble  with  jealousy  the  guards  had  pass'd, 
When  backward  they  on  their  position  fac'd  ; 
So  soft,  eluding,  were  his  cautious  feet, 
To  watch  his  time  that  nothing  should  defeat 
The  purpose  of  his  heart  to  reach  the  fort, 
And  bear  the  welcome  message  of  support. 

Forth  at  his  entrance  he  to  Shelby  strode, 
(His  chiefs  around)  and  thus  his  coming  show'd  : 

•'•'  I've  pass'd,  thank  heaven,  the  dangers  of  the  night. 
My  tongue  to  you  a  promise  to  recite  ;  -40 

A  promise  that  my  soul  forebodes  will  be 
FulfilPd  with  honour  to  thy  memory  : 

•"<  Dudley  and  Clay,  with  twice  ten  hundred  men, 
Stand  in  drum  beating  on  Miami's  wave  ; 
I've  come  to  learn  what  purpose  you  design, 
That  they  may  form  in  ready  decipline." 

Thus  he.     And  Shelby  thus  :  "  Bold  messenger. 
The  tidings  you've  express'd  delights  my  ear  ; 
Our  minds  have  been  impatient  to  receive 
Thy  gladdening  words  to  cause  our  hopes  to  live.       50 


DEFEAT    ON    THE    MIAMI.  US 

"  This  order  you'll  return  :  'Tis  my  command, 
That  Clay  detach  eight  hundred  of   his  band 
Miami  to  descend,  and  this,  remark, 
That  they,  with  arms  unflinted,  disembark, 
And  search  with  steel  yon  new-made  batteries  there, 
Then  choke  the  cannon,  and  to  this  repair ; 
For  lo.  Tecumseh  is  in  ambush  laid 
To  watch  each  pass,  and  give  the  bulwarks  aid. 

"  He  with  the  others  on  his  arms  will  rest, 
Till  he  shall  hear  their  volley  from  the  west,  60 

For,  when  detachment  on  the  left  shall  land, 
Forth  I  design  a  sortie  to  command  : 
At  the  same  charge  we  Proctor  shall  attack, 
And  with  the  bayonet  drive  his  legion  back  ; 
Clay  then  will  pour  his  strength  upon  their  rear  ; 
Kentucky  yet  was  never  known  to  fear. 

"  Brief  you'll  return  by  yonder  spreading  beech, 
While  through  their  works  shall  I  attempt  a  breach  ; 
And  artful  thus  divert  them  from  the  line, 
Where  runs  the  path  to  favour  your  design."  70 

Young  Trimble  press'd  his  hand  and  bow'd  assent ; 
Departed,  for  the  beech  his  footsteps  bent. 
The  forted  engines  with  combustion  sound, 
And  bring  life's  period  to  a  narrow  bound  ; 
The  half-unfinish'd  breast-mounds  piecemeal  tear, 
And  hurl  the  earth  with  violence  in  air. 
The  royals  kindle  all  their  fires  at  once  ; 
Death  drove  at  death,  destructions  dire  announce. 

Proctor  discover'd  to  his  sorrow  soon, 
That  all  resulted  to  Columbia's  boon,  80 

Hence,  he  the  drums  instructed  forth  to  play 
To  hush  the  broil — a  summons  to  assay, 
10*    VOL.  ir. 


114  FREDON1AD.       CANTO  XIV. 

The  fife  a  moment  strikes  the  promis'd  key, 
Ere  the  drum  echoes  to  its  harmony — • 
A  musick  sharp  and  piercing  to  the  ear, 
When  heard  high  noted  in  a  circle  near — 
Cuts  through  the  organ  of  the  brain  a  scream, 
Whistling — but  soft,  reflected  o'er  a  stream. 
The  drummers  presently  the  beaters  ply, 
Rattling  the  tune  vibrating  through  the  sky  ;  90 

To  curb  the  wandering  notes  the  time  they  beat 
By  equal  motion — rising  of  their  feet. 

Soon  as  the  parley  of  the  drums  was  done, 
To  Chambers,  Proctor  haughtily  begun  : 

"  Haste — and  a  banner  to  the  fort  display. 
And  bid  its  chief  surrender  up  the  day  ; 
It  nothing  signifies  the  balls  to  blaze, 
Hence,  we  must  plan  to  gain  them  othervvays. 
Should  he  our  summons  disregard,  why  then, 
Threatening  declare,  we'll  massacre  his  men  ;  100 

Yea,  as  at  Raisin,  not  a  soul  shall  live, 
For  them,  the  whole,  Cawataw  shall  receive  ."' 
Chambers  in  silence  with  the  flag  advanc'd, 
On  which  full  soon  the  eye  of  Shelby  glanc'd, 
While  on  the  parapet  with  pondering  mind, 
He  stood  to  learn  what  purpose  was  design'd — 
His  wonder  grew  when  Chambers  reach'd  the  fort, 
And  told  his  coming  with  a  conqueror's  port  : 
Shelby  had  thought,  that  Proctor  wish'd  to  gain 
A  truce  from  battle,  till  he'd  tomb'd  his  slain.  110 

"  Chief  of  the  starry  banner  !  lo,  I  come 
From  royal  Proctor  to  proclaim  thy  doom  ; 
He,  fixM  in  purpose,  bade  me  to  declare, 
That,  longer  if  yon  Eagle  rode  the  air, 


DEFEAT    ON    THE    MIAMI.  115 

He,  with  his  thousands,  will  the  fort  destroy, 
And  give  the  scalping  savages  employ  ! 
But  O,  resign  ! — his  tender  mercy  then, 
Shalt  thou  receive,  and  all  thy  helpless  men." 

A  hectick  flush'd  upon  the  veteran's  cheek 
Mix'd  with  the  lily  pale, — unpower'd  to  speak.         120 
The  thought  of  Proctor's  mercy  touch'd  his  heart, 
Something  of  ire,  which  made  his  frame  to  start ; 
The  tide  of  blood  produc'd  the  crimson  air, 
But  soon  it  fell  and  left  the  lily  there. 

"  His  mercy  !     O,  why  breathe  it  to  my  soul  ! 
It  makes  my  blood  through  hurried  veins  to  roll. 
Soon  would  the  liquid  of  my  heart  be  flame, 
Did  grief  for  slaughtered  friends  not  cool  the  stream. 

"  What !  Proctor's  tender  mercy  !     Gracious  God  ! 
He — whose  delight  is  massacre  and  blood  !  130 

Talk  you  of  Proctor's  mercy  ?  O  the  shame  ! 
Mercy  ! — his  mercy  would  deep  hell  defame  ! 
Compar'd  to  him,  the  savage  name  is  white — 
Yea,  as  the  rainbow  to  eclipse  of  night. 

"  Hath  he  not  heard  our  matrons  shriek  in  death  ? 
Seen  hungry  flames  suck  out  the  virgin's  breath  ! 
Hath  he  not  listen'd  to  the  infant's  pain, 
Their  warm,  live  bowels  twisting  on  the  plain  .' 
Hath  he  not  smil'd  to  see  the  best  of  life 
Melt  into  dust  by  the  infernal  knife  !  140 

{t  Much  sooner  shall  the  scorpion  lose  his  sting, 
And  be  as  gentle  as  the  lamb  of  spring  ; 
The  condor  cease  upon  the  dove  to  prey, 
While  with  sweet  note  she  coos  her  amorous  lay  ; 
The  leopard  lose  his  stains  by  nature  given, 
And  be  as  spotless  as  the  face  of  heaven  ; 


116  FRKDONIAD.      CANTO   XIV. 

Or  the  fierce  tyger,  madded  as  with  fire, 

Be  as  the  kid,  that  bounds  with  young  desire  ; 

Than  Proctor's  heart  will  ever  change  its  steel, 

And  the  soft  touch  of  weeping  mercy  feel.  150 

"  Avoid  my  presence — vanish  and  retire — 
My  soul  I  feel  ungovern'd  of  its  ire  ! 
Come — let  his  thousands  come, — dark,  black  as    clouds 

in  heaven, 
Back  from  this  earth  my  soul  shall  ne'er  be  driven  ! 

"  Before  I'd  yield  this  monster-man  my  power. 
Whose  tender  mercies  unwean'd  babes  devour, 
This  hand  shall  light  the  magazine  beneath, 
And  roll  both  armies  in  the  flames  of  death  !" 

As  when  a  cloud,  on  wings  of  darkness  driven, 
Smothers  the  sun  and  all  the  face  of  heaven,  160 

The  wary  hunter  marks  th'  approaching  blast, 
And  flies  to  shelter  with  his  soul  aghast  : 
Thus  deep  his  frown,  while  he  in  anger  spoke  ; 
His  voice  like  thunder  through  the  darkness  broke. 
His  eyes  search'd  Chambers'  heart,  like  lightning. 

through, 

Which,  at  the  time,  was  damp'd  with  bloody  dew  ; 
His  joints  were  threadless  as  relax'd  by  death  ; 
He  left  the  parapet  half  robb'd  of  breath. 

At  once  the  Albions  rouse  themselves  to  war  ; 
Dread  in  reply  Columbian  thunders  jar;  170 

Forth  leap  the  globes,  excited  by  the  flame, 
And  many  a  warrior  ends  his  life  with  fame. 
Bombs,  like  star-pestilence,  at  each  are  driven 
With  hissing  fires,  that  wander  over  heaven. 


DEFEAT   ON   THE    MIAMI.  117 

For  five  long  hours,  thunder  on  thunder  breaks, 
But  none  yet  wearied  with  the  combat  shakes. 

Meantime  Tekelah  from  his  warriors  cull'd 
Those  who  for  nimble  efforts  had  been  school'd, 
And  led  them  near  the  fort  with  crouching  sly, 
Where  pines  and  lusty  oaks  invade  the  sky,  180 

And  overlook  its  walls  ; — on  these  they  climb 
With  feather'd  shafts,  and  gain  their  tops  sublime. 
Their  course  they  crept  so  secret  through  the  grass, 
That  none  within  the  fort  beheld  them  pass. 
As  high  they  clomb  with  caution,  by  degrees 
Their  forms  were  hid  by  intervening  trees. 
No   eye  observ'd  them  till  their  bows  were  bent 
With  steel-crown'd  arrows — thirsting  to  be  sent 
Through  life's  warm  fountain.     Dark  the  savage  stood, 
Obscur'd  behind  the  body  of  the  wood,  1QO 

All,  save  their  forehead  and  a  half-seen  eye, 
To  drive  the  arrow  to  its  destiny. 

Jarvis,  a  youth,  was  first  to  mark  their  rise  ; 
He  sought  the  chief, — impatience  in  his  eyes, 
And  thus  with  hurried  voice  :  "  Behold  them  there, 
With  arrows  looking  downward  from  the  air  ! 

See  how  they  ben" 

No  syllable — not  one, 
He  added  more — for  lo,  his  life  was  done  ! 

Deep  through  his  crown,  where  shone  the  pearly  skin, 
The  feather'd  shaft  with  fatal  strength  went  in  ;  200 

Glanc'd  through  his  brain — the  jaw  inferior  broke, 
As  he,  pronouncing,  had  the  word  half  spoke. 

Thus  a  young  willow,  on  the  lake's  fair  side, 
In  spring  puts  forth  its  tender  leaves  with  pride  ; 


118  FREDONIAD.       CANTO    XIV. 

Lifting  its  head  rejoicing  in  the  sun, 

A  whirlwind  snaps  it  and  its  life  is  done  ! 

To  mark  the  young  plant  fade,  the  aged  drew 
A  sigh  of  sorrow  deep — but  arrows  flew 
Like  trains  of  lightning,  shooting  through  the  sky, 
Wrapp'd  in  the  foldings  of  obscurity.  210 

The  peril  check'd  his  grief ; — and  forth  his  tongue, 
To  warriors,  keen  of  eye,  commanding  rung  : 

"  To  this,  the  rifles  in  their  haste  repair, 
And  stop  the  shafts  from  flying  in  the  air  ! 
But  stand  in  place  till  they  expose  their  eye, 
Their  arrows  to  elance  with  certainty, 
Then,  with  quick  sight,  draw  fire  upon  the  lead, 
And  drive  the  bullet  through  the  half-seen  head." 

Forthwith  the  patriots,  habited  in  green, 
Wheel  and  advance — their  eyes,  like  lynxes,  keen  ;  220 
Their  leu-hand  fingers  on  the  guard  they  place, 
The  same  arm  crowds  the  rifle  to  their  face  ; 
The  left,  extended  firm,  sustains  its  weight, 
Or  moves, — its  far  extreme  to  regulate  ; 
With  head  declin'd — left  eye  from  vision  hid  ; 
The  right  keen  bent  upon  the  silver  bead  : — 
Instant  it  glimmers  opposite  the  foe, 
The  ready  finger  lets  the  death-spring  go — 
The  flint  darts  forward,  driven  by  the  lock, 
Fleeter  than  thoughts,  that  the  conceptions  mock  5     230 
Batters  the  cover  that  conceals  the  prime, 
And  throws  it  back  in  momentary  time  ; 
The  flint,  conflicting  with  th'  opposing  steel, 
Flashes  the  sparks — the  sleeping  death-grains  feel 
The  glowing  particles,  and  burn  to  life 
With  speed  of  lightning  in  a  thunder  strife. 


DEFEAT    ON   THE    MIAMI.  119 

The  bullet  quickens  at  the  touch  of  fire  ; 

Stung  with  the  smart,  it  leaps  with  mad  desire 

To  cool  its  anger  in  the  savage  blood, 

As  down  they  sight  their  arrows  from  the  wood.         240 

With  mortal  efforts  hard  the  oaks  they  grasp, 
And  sweat  and  struggle  with  a  dying  gasp  ; 
By  fingers,  spasm-cramp'd,  they  hang  in  air, 
And,  by  the  touch  of  death,  they  shiver  there  ; 
But  when  their  fountain  streams  forbear  to  flow, 
They  fall  as  dead  things  on  the  plains  below. 
Moss,  bark,  and  leaves,  thick  follow  their  descent, 
Which  they  in  falling  shatter'd  as  they  went, 
And  partial  hide  them,  ghastful  as  they  lie, 
Their  skulls  deep  enter'd  o'er  their  dexter  eye.  250 

Thus  did  the  rifles  toil,  whilst  deep  and  dark 
The  cannon  bursted,  kindled  with  a  spark, 
Touch'd  to  the  vent,  loud  roaring  up  to  heaven, 
Deafening  like  thunder  o'er  the  welkin  driven. 

At  length  both  armies,  wearied  with  the  toil, 
With  one  consent,  remit  the  furious  broil. 

The  patriots  forth,  unbroken  in  their  soul, 
Soon  make  the  ploughings  of  the  cannon  whole. 
This  done — of  strengthening  viands  they  partake. 
Ready  with  brand  on  royalty  to  break.  260 

When  the  battalions  from  the  ranks  of  Clay 
Should  land — and  Elliot  with  the  steel  assay. 

While  these  events  with  either  host  transpir'd, 
Trimble  pursued  the  happy  path  desir'd, 
And  pass'd  the  warring  enemy  unseen, 
And  join'd  his  ranks  display'd  upon  the  green. 


120  FRBDONIAD.      CANTO   XIV. 

His  chief  he  found  pavilion'd  on  the  bank, 
With  whom  was  Dudley,  of  inferior  rank, 
But  not  of  soul,  him  liberty  inspir'd 
Deeds  to  perform,  which  honour'd  name  acquired  :    270 

"  Lo,  these  instructions  I  from  Shelby  bring, 
To  waste  the  banded  legions  of  the  kiqg  : 

"  He  bids  you  sort  eight  hundred  warriors  strong — 
Those  that  have  blood  within  their  bosoms  young, 
And,  on  the  west,  the  enemy  attack  ; 
Rout — spike  the  cannon — then  the  path  retrack. 
For  lo,  Tecumseh,  with  a  numerous  host 
Valiant  in  arms,  who  never  battle  lost, 
Lies  in  reserve,  and  bids  you  to  beware — 
Elliot,  Cawataw,  hold  the  bulwarks  there.  280 

"  Now  when  this  troop  upon  the  west  shall  land, 
The  fort  in  sortie  strikes  th'  imprisoning  band  ; 
Presently  when  you  the  strife  shall  hear, 
Rush  with  your  arms — pour  slaughter  on  their  rear. 
Reynolds  we  dread — compel  him  to  retire 
Before  the  burning  of  a  chain  of  fire. 

"  Both  armies  now  in  fierce  contention  raise, 
Reaching  to  heaven  a  solid  wall  of  blaze." 

Trimble,  when  seated — Dudley  modest,  then  : 
"  I  plead  for  conduct  of  these  chosen  men  ;  290 

True  to  the  order,  I'll  effect  the  storm — 
Silence  the  hold — and  then  retreat  in  form." 

"  I  grant  your  daring  purpose,"  Clay  replies  ; 
"  You  know  the  circumstance — where  danger  lies  ; 
Strive  to  suppress  the  ardour  of  your  force, 
Who  deep  remember  Raisin's  bloody  course. 
The  vents  confine  with  steel,  then  brief  retire, 
Or  by  Tecumseh  will  your  strength  expire. 


DEFEAT    ON   THE    MIAMI.  121 

Go — lead  your  warriors  in  the  path   of  fame, 

While  I,  the  rear  shall  charge,  of  Albion's  name."    300 

They  rise — and  forth  their  willing  ranks  divide, 
Their  every  bosom  fill'd  with  valour's  tide> 
Twelve  hundred  on  the  right  remain  with  Clay — 
Two  thirds  that  number  Dudley's  voice  obey. 
Thus  he  salutes  them  :  "  Candidates  of  fame  ! 
In  glory's  field  we  this  day  lift  our  name, 
We  storm  the  bulwarks  on  the  western  shore, 
Where  Elliot  and  Cawataw  hold  their  power ; 
Silence  the  guns — the  conquest  not  pursue, 
For  lo,  Tecuinseh  ambush'd  is  in  view.  310 

Not  in  your  hearts  let  too  much  fire  prevail, — 
Attend  my  voice,  or  we  in  dust  shall  fail. 
Let  every  warrior,  at  the  sign,  retreat, 
Or  all  our  fame  will  darken  in  defeat. 
Let  your  advance  be  chain'd  in  links  of  fire ; 
When  spik'd  the  guns,  like  gather'd  mist,  retire. 
Mark  the  instructions  !     To  the  stream  away — 
With  charging  steel  we  glorify  the  day  !" 

The  Patriots  heard,  and  shouted  to  the  sky  : 
"  Lead  us  to  battle  where  the  murderers  lie  !"  320 

Forthwith  they  press  the  barges,  and  descend — 
With  hearts  high  bounding,  on  the  land  they  bend. 
Coombs,  Trimble.  Murray — in  the  bloom  of  years  ; 
And  Meade,  and  Morrison,  Cox,  Boswell,  Spears. 

"  Kentucky  !  form  the  column  on  the  right !" 
Dudley  proclaim'd.     'Twas  rapid  done  as  light. 
"  The  name  of  Simpson  is  the  rising  word ! 
Trust  not  the  flint !    Let  death  be  in  the  sword  !" 

11      VOL,   II. 


122  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XIV. 

"  Simpson  is  death !"     They  shouted  high,  and  rose 
Horrid  with  steel,  to  mingle  with  their  foes.  330 

Meantime,  without  a  thought  of  danger  nigh, 
Behind  their  earth-walls  was  the  enemy  ; 
Cawataw  first  discover'd  it  in  sight, 
And  thus  to  Elliot  he  :  "  They  come  in  fight ! 
See,  from  the  river,  how  in  steel  they  rise  ! 
Let  big  gun  burst,  out-thunder,  split  the  skies  !" 

Him,  Elliot   answer'd   smooth  :    "  Dream   not    of 

fear  ; 

None  of  Kentucky  dare  assail  us  here  ; 
Unwary  let  them  come,  these  heights  to  scale, 
We'll  cast  them  tempest-fire  with  leaden  hail.         340 

One  blast  will  overcome 

"  Behold,  they  form, 

Like  clouds  collecting  mountain  heights,  to  storm  ! 
Let  blaze  the  cannon — barrell'd  weapons  all — 
Bury — consume,  sweep  down  with  grape  and  ball  ! 
Behold,  they  rise  in  solidness  with  awe  ! 
With  thunder  cover  them, — roll  down  the  war  !" 

The  cannon  felt  the  sparkle -fire  and  spoke 
With  bellowing  tongue  and  roll'd  the  heights  in  smoke ; 
In  concert  dire  the  lead-drove  muskets  peal — 
But  Freedom  presses  on,  a  moving  ridge  of  steel!  350 

Thus  when  from  ocean  rolls  a  storm  of  clouds, 
Thick'ning  and  deep'ning,  each  the  other  crowds, 
Till  one  black  mass  involves  creation  whole, 
Awful  in  fashion — heaving  roll  on  roll  ; 
But  lo,  the  sun  emerging  from  a  fold, 
Thron'd  high  in  heaven,  emits  a  shower  of  gold, 


DEFEAT  ON   THE  MIAMI.  123 

Which  bathes  the  cloud  above  with  streams  of  light, 

Whilst  all  below  is  one  black  scene  of  night  : 

Such  the  pure  brilliance  of  its  brow  on  high, 

That  angels  gaze  with  wonder  in  their  eye —          360 

While  such  the  darkness  of  the  cloud  beneath, 

It  seems  as  curtain'd  with  the  pall  of  death. 

So  deep  below,  and  black  the  column  move, 
Whilst  gleaming  steel  illumes  its  path  above. 

The  allies  battle  at  the  brave  in  vain — 
Behold,  the  summit  of  the  height  they  gain, 
And  plunge  with  whetted  bayonets  on  their  foes, 
Who  fly  the  battlements,  like  whirling  snows, 
When  boreal  blasts  descend  upon  the  earth 
With  all  the  muster'd  fury  of  the  north.  370 

"  Unpower  the   cannon  !"    Dudley   spoke.      'Tis 

done — 
The  vent  is  chok'd  with  steel,  of  every  gun. 

"  Now  lock  the  ranks,  and  to  the  fort  retreat  ! 
What  deafs  your  ears  ?     Progression  is  defeat  ! 
Attend  my  voice  !     Dread  heaven  !  if  you  press  on, 
Death  swallows  all  ! — forever  lost — undone  ! 
Why  stay  you  not  ? — destruction  hovers  nigh  ! 
I  will  be  heard  !  the  man  that  moves  shall  die  !" 

As  when  a  vessel  in  her  sailing  pride, 
Assays  to  stem  the  Mississippi  tide,  380 

But  ah,  the  gales  too  weak  apply  their  force 
To  urge  it  up  against  the  current's  course  ; 
The  powers  a  moment  equal  strength  maintain, 
The  ship  stands  balanc'd  on  an  even  strain  ; 
The  waves  descending,  on  her  progress  bear 
While  the  faint  breezes  just  retain  her  there. 


124  FREDONlAD.      CANTO  XIV. 

At  length  the  dashing  waters  turn  her  prow, 
And  down  she  settles  with  the  stream  below. 

So  Dudley  strives  his  reckless  band  to  stay  ; 
They  bear  him  onward  like  the  stream  away.         390 
The  ocean  when  it  foams  in  all  its  wrath, 
Is  smooth  and  gentle  to  their  raging  path. 

"  Raisin  !  its  massacre  !"  they  shouting  cry  ; 
"  The  blood  of  Elliot  or  eternity  !" 

Meantime  Tecumseh,  in  concealment,  stood 
Deep  in  a  valley  of  embowering  wood, 
Silent,  but  thoughtful — centred  on  his  mind, 
To  catch  the  smallest  whisper  of  the  wind. 

Soon  as  he  heard  the  battle-breaking  sound, 
He  form'd  his  savage  men  in  circle  round  ;  400 

Frightful  their  visages — red,  blue,  and  black, 
With  fury  whetted  for  the  dire  attack. 

"  Hark  !  hear  the  efcho  of  the  war  at  hand  ! 
Now  every  warrior  do  as  I  command. 
See  knife — see  tomahawk,  for  blood  prepar'd  ; 
Me  lift  my  voice,  let  every  chief  regard  ; 
Break  to  the  battle  like  big  rolling  cloud  ; 
Like  deep-mouth'd  thunder  sound  the  war-whoop  loud  ; 
Crimson   earth's    bosom  !      Strike,    strike    deep  for 

blood — 
Large  let  it  stream,  like  rivers  in  a  flood.  410 

"  But  when  they  ask  for   peace  then  spare  from 

death — 

He  dies,  who  scalps  the  wounded  on  the  heath  ! 
Though  Proctor  bids,  to  naked  leave  the  whole  ; 
Tecumseh  spares  who  bends  to  his  control. 


DEFEAT   ON    THE    MIAMI.  125 

The  blood  of  feeble  never  stain'd  his  hands, 
Nor  shall  it  stain  a  warrior  he  commands. 

"  Listen  ! — the  war  comes  bursting  on  us  nigh  ! 
Retire  !     Me  speak,  let  death-note  split  the  sky  1" 

The  circle  instant  vanish'd  from  his  sight, 
As  shades  are  scatter'd  at  th'  approach  of  light.      420 

Meanwhile  Kentucky,  urging  their  pursuit, 
Laid  many  a  savage  with  convulsions  mute  ; 
Headlong  they  rush'd,  with  vengeance  for  their  guide, 
Till  they  for  murder  should  be  satisfied. 
The  speed  of  Elliot  passes  by  the  wind  ; 
The  sound  of  Raisin  chills  upon  his  mind  ; 
Like  him  a  culprit,  moving  to  his  death 
On  the  lone  common,  or  the  wizard  heath, 
Deep  in  his  ear-drum  thinks  he  hears  a  bell, 
Tolling  his  funeral  to  the  vaults  of  hell.  430 

Close  on  his  path  the  wild  men  roar  aloud, 
Deafening  the  woods — a  thunder-broken  cloud. 

Soon  near  they  gain  upon  the  ambuscade, 
Where  the  dread  chief  in  silent  watch  is  laid  : 
His  warriors  round,  in  couchant  posture  lay, 
Like  hungry  panthers,  druling  for  their  prey. 
One  eye  is  bent  upon  their  chief  to  mark 
The  sign  to  rise, — the  other,  like  a  spark, 
That  burns  upon  the  end  of  lightning  chain, 
Observes  the  bands  of  Dudley  on  the  plain, —        440 
For  now  obscure,  through  blinding  woods  they  spy 
The  reckless  train  come  rushing  on  to  die ; 
But  think  they  nothing  of  the  savage  tomb, 
Ready  to  open  and  decide  their  doom. 

11*      VOL.   II. 


12O  PREDONIAD.      CANTO    XIV. 

Behold,  the  signal  of  their  death  is  given  ! 
Tecuraseh's  voice  peals  audible  to  heaven. 
The  other  voices,  though  they  hideous  jar, 
Urging  the  tumult  violence  of  war, 
Are  like  the  drums  that  sound  the  muster  roll, 
To  solid  thunder  bursting  from  the  pole.  450 

So  dire  the  yell — so  grim  the  savage  air, 
Kentuckians  stand  and  gaze  upon  despair  ! 

As  when,  (day  glimmering  on  the  skirts  of  night, 
And  many  a  star  looks  pleasant  with  its  light,) 
Hounds  of  sagacious  scent  awake  the  deer, 
Starting  the  chase  with  well-known  accent  clear  ; 
The  listening  hunter  hears  th'  inspiring  strain, 
And  to  his  charger  loosens  all  the  rein  ; 
The  noble  steed  disdains  the  goading  spur  ; 
The  hounds  in  musick,  make  his  spirits  stir  ;  460 

Snorting  he  leaps  and  snuffs  the  fresh'ning  gale, 
Which  lags  behind  him  as  he  sweeps  the  vale. 
As  loud,  more  loud,  the  opening  pack  he  hears, 
He  pricks  more  keen  the  sharpness   of  his  ears  ; 
They  scour  the  country  round  o'er  hill,  or  dell, 
With  different  echoes,  as  they  sink  or  swell. 
At  length  from  craggy  precipice  on  high, 
Down  leap  the  deer,  the  hounds  pursuing,  die  .' 
The  courser  thunders  on  with  uncheck'd  force, 
Nothing  to  stay  the  fury  of  his  course  ;  470 

Gaining  the  steep,  he  stops  upon  its  verge, 
Sudden  !     Dismounts  his  rider  with  a  surge  : 
Foaming, — with  head  thrown  back  and  mane  in  air  ; 
Straining  his  eyes  with  a  distorted  glare  ; 
Shivering  convuls'd  upon  the  brink  of  death, 
Stands — struck  with  awe — holding  his  mighty  breath. 


DEFEAT  ON  THE  MIAMI.  127 

Or  as  a  vessel  in  the  northern  seas 
Bounds  with  full  sail  before  the  hurrying  breeze  ; 
The  skilful  pilot  warns  the  crew  in  vain 
Of  Norway's  whirlpool  on  the  treacherous  main  ;  480 
But  they,  unmindful  of  the  caution  given, 
Pursue  their  course  till  in  the  whirl  they're  driven  ! 
Ah,  then  they  mark  a  dreadful  something  strange, 
Twinge  through  their  blood  to  feel  the  whirling  range. 
They  hear  the  monster  in  the  deep  rocks  yell, 
Like  some  dark  spirit  rising  out  of  hell  ! 
Near  and  more  near,  the  forceful  suction  draws 
The  struggling  vessel  to  its  gaping  jaws  ! 
Though  wide  the  circles  from  the  centre  sweep, 
Yet,  at  each  compass  of  the  hopeless  ship,  490 

More  short  and  rapid  are  the  whirling  rings, 
Hurrying  the  vessel  to  the"narro wings. 
Alas,  before  the  vision  of  the  crew, 
The  gulf  appears,  appalling  to  their  view  ! 
The  trembling  bark  but  lives  another  sweep, 
Before  she  sinks,  eternal,  in  the  deep  ! 
With  eyeballs  glaring,  and  tight-straining  breath, 
They  stand  and  shiver  on  the  verge  of  death  ! 

So  when  Tecumseh  with  a  shout  arose, 
Which  seem'd  to  wake  the  dead  from  their  repose,  500 
The  band  of  Dudley  in  a  panick  stood  ; 
Their  palsied  hearts  forgot  to  stir  the  blood  ; 
Death,  grim'd  with  gore,  stalks   round   with   hideous 

air — 

But  lo,  they  quicken  from  their  dead  despair — 
And  rise  in  all  their  majesty  of  soul, 
And  back  the  vollies  on  the  savage  roll  ! 


FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XIV. 

The  face  of  light  a  gathering  darkness  shades  ; 
On  heaven  the  thickening  turbulence  invades. 

As  when  the  vapours  of  the  ocean  rise 
Round  Alleghany's  tops,  that  touch  the  skies  ;        510 
Deep  gathering  into  clouds,  slow  moving  round, 
Which  wrap  the  mountains  in  a  gloom  profound  : 
At  length  surcharg'd  they  burst  in  ceaseless  shower, 
And  soon  a  thousand  streams  begin  to  roar  ; 
Outs  well  their  barriers — sweep  whole  herds  and  flocks, 
And  dash  them  headlong  o'er  the  pointed  rocks  ; 
Chafing  with  whirlpools,  maddening  on  their  way, 
They  rage  and  thunder  to  their  parent  sea. 

Such  the  wild  tumult — such  the  deafening  noise  ; 
The  strife  augmenting  with  the  savage  voice.          520 

At  length,  such  numbers  of  the  allied  power 
Hem  in  the  brave,  and  kindle  such  a  shower 
Of  raining  fire,  the  patriot  ranks  give  way  ; 
Despair  returns, — their  hearts  made  cold  like  clay. 
But  Dudley  wields  his  dripping  brand  on  high, 
And  lifts  them  up  beyond  mortality  : 

"  Charge   through  the   circle  !      Break  the  ring  of 

death  !" 

The  fainting  catch  the  spirit  of  his  breath, 
And  plunge  upon  the  foe  with  pointed  steel, 
Which  makes  the  circle,  binding  them,  to  reel.        530 
A  host  of  Albions  gasping  find  their  rest  ; 
Blood  spouts  hot  leaping  from  the  savage  breast. 

But  yet  Tecumseh  and  Cawataw  stand, 
And  join  the  fracture,  where  the  charging  band 
Break  down  the  links  of  the  tremendous  chain, 
Which  binds  the  struggling  heroes  on  the  plain, 


DEFEAT  ON   THE   MIAMI.  129 

Or  wall  of  fire,  in  solid  blazing  vast, 

While  death  in  smiles  is  seen  upon  the  blast. 

"  Break  through,  nor  think  of  life  !"    Dudley  ex 
claims  :  539 
"  With  hostile  blood  extinguish, — quench  the  flames!" 

The  time  he  spoke,  from  earth  he  seem'd  to  tower, 
As  though  his  form  were  some  superior  power  ; 
The  foe  stood  cramp'd,  yea,  motionless  with  dread  ; 
He  smites  the  living,  leaps  bounding  o'er  the  dead  ! 

Now,  where  Tecumseh,  where  Cawataw  stood, 
He  urg'd  the  pass,  all  dabbled  o'er  with  blood, 
For  many  a  partial  wound  unnotic'd  drains 
The  little  streamlets  of  his  heated  veins. 
Lock'd  was  the  passage  that  Tecumseh  held  ; 
And  on  Cawataw  back  he  desperate  wheel'd.          550 
But  the  stern  savage,  as  the  hero  came, 
Quick  bent  his  rifle — touch'd  it  to  a  flame, 
And  sent  the  bullet  glancing  through  his  side  ; 
Its  burning  anguish  chaf  'd  his  heart's  brief  tide. 

So  when  a  cougar  feels  the  hunter's  dart, 
Avenging  blood  runs  burning  through  his  heart ; 
He  tears  the  earth, — the  oak  before  him  falls — 
His  eyes  flash  wrath  like  heaven's  red  meteorous  balls. 

Thus   Dudley   maddens — where   his   blade  sweeps 

round, 
Black  piles  of  dead  lie  smoking  on  the  ground.        560 

Lo,  now  he  meets  Cawataw  eye  to  eye, 
Which  show  like  stars  when  skirted  lightnings  fly  ; 
They  front  upon  the  heath  in  darkening  form, 
Like  two  tall  rocks  midst  ocean  wreck'd  with  storm. 

A  moment,  and  his  axe  the  savage  drew, 
And  pois'd  it  high  as  Dudley's  falchion  flew  ; 


130  FREDONIAD.      CANTO    XIV. 

Sheer  through  his  skull  the  glittering  ruin  sped  ; 
His  brains  gush  out — he  plunges  on  the  dead  ! 
The  sword  firm-wedg'd,  within  his  skull  remains, 
For  Dudley's  strength  forsook  him  on  the  plains,    570 
By  which  the  blade  was  loosen'd  from  his  hand — 
He  reels,  he  faints, — no  longer  can  he  stand  ; 
His  heart  is  drain'd — extinguish'd  are  his  fires — 
Stretch'd  on  Cawataw  his  proud  soul  expires  ! 

A  woodman  thus  to  fall  a  mountain  oak, 
With  heavy  swing  redoubles  stroke  on  stroke  ; 
A  hunter  calls  him  off — he  leaves  it  there, 
Half  through — its  honours  waving  in  the  air  : 
But  soon  exhausted — all  its  juices  spent, 
It  groaning  falls  and  shakes  the  element  :  580 

Thus  Dudley  fell  majestick  in  his  fame — 
And  unborn  ages  will  revere  his  name. 

Where  Dudley  fell,  a  narrow  pass  was  made, 
Through  which  the  patriots,  toiling  with  the  blade, 
Hew'd  out  their  way  beyond  the  savage  chain, 
And  breath'd  a  moment  on  the  open  plain  ; 
To  make  the  river,  now  is  all  their  aim, 
To  seek  a  rescue  from  the  favouring  stream. 

Cox,  Murray,  Trimble,  were  the  happy  three, 
Leaders  of  fame,  that  broke  the  enemy  ;  590 

And  Meade  beyond  the  savage  line  had  pass'd, 
When  lo,  a  lead  was  from  a  rifle  cast, 
Which,  in  a  line,  burnt  searching  through  his  eyes, 
And  left  him  blind  in  gory  agonies  ! 
Yet  still  his  soul  in  every  action  great, 
Without  a  groan  endur'd  th'  afflicting  weight. 


DEFEAT   ON   THE   MIAMI.  131 

Murray  and  Trimble  caught  him  by  the  arm 
To  bear  him  onward,  with  affection  warm  ; 
But  Meade  requests  they  leave  him  in  the  wood  : 

"  Put  off  this  tenderness — was  death  withstood  ?  600 
Look  back  and  see  what  millions,  that  inspir'd 
The  breath  of  being,  have  from  earth  retir'd  ! 
Your  graves,  perhaps,  are  distant — mine  hath  come ; 
Think  not  of  me — I  would  not  stay  my  doom  ; 
I'm  but  a  clog,  and  fetter  your  retreat  ; 
I  scarce  would  live,  could  1  command  my  fate. 

"  When  thou,  my  wife  shalt  meet,  O  tell  her  this — 
'Tis  all  I  ask — with  grief  'twill  mingle  bliss  : 
Tell  her  that  though  in  dying  I  was  blind, 
Her  lovely  image  dwelt  upon  my  mind  ;  610 

Methinks  I  feel  her  hand  upon  my  breast, 
Soft  as  an  angePs  soothing  me  to  rest  ! 

"  We  meet  in  heaven. — Hark  ! — how  the  yells  re 
sound  ! 
The  savage  come  to  compass  you  around  !" 

The  time  denied  to  answer  him  a  word, 
For  lo,  Tecumseh,  brandishing  his  sword, 
Came  sweeping  on  with  all  his  train  behind, 
Whilst  tyger  howlings  tore  along  the  wind  ! 

Tecumseh  knew  not  at  the  moment  first, 
That,  where  Cawataw  stood  upon  his  trust,  620 

Was  broken  by  the  brave,  himself  subdu'd, 
And,  for  the  grave-worm,  a  delicious  food  ; 
But  when  the  turbulence  was  pass'd  away, 
And  smoke  and  dust,  that  blotted  out  the  day, 


132  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XIV. 

The  cause  was  open  to  his  judgment  seen, 

And  to  the  river,  through  a  deep  ravine, 

He  led  his  warriors.     Having  gain'd  the  van 

Of  Trimble's,  flying  ranks,  he  wheel'd  his  clan, 

And  met  them,  hideous,  with  the  scowl  of  death,    629 

Like  some  fell  ghost,  that  strides  the  midnight  heath  ! 

Hope   vanish'd   from   the   brave,  like  gold  dreams 

rare, 

And  left  behind  the  darkness  of  despair. 
Death  shook  his  barbed  dart  on  every  side — 
The  thought  of  life  within  their  bosoms  died  ! 

But  Trimble,  rising,  animates  the  brave  : 
"  With  one  proud  effort  sink  into  the  grave  ! 
Unfold — make  manifest  the  Spartan  worth, 
Whose  names  will  find  eternity  on  earth  ! 
Prove  to  the  world,  Columbians  dare  the  same, 
Crown'd  with  Leonidas  in  deathless  fame  ;  640 

On  Freedom's  altar  let  our  bodies  die, 
A  bleeding  sacrifice  for  Liberty  !" 

They  kindled  at  his  voice  with  heaven's  pure  fire, 
And  as  they  rose,  cried  :  "  Lead  us  to  expire  !" 

As  mountain  billows  roll  upon  the  shore, 
Driven  by  tempests,  mix'd  with  thunder's  roar  ; 
As  rocky  shores  resist  the  waves  in  storm, 
Lightnings  and  thunders,  and  the  whirlwind's  form  : 
Thus  Freedom  charges — thus  Tecumseh  stands, 
A  burning  pillar  midst  his  warrior  bands  !  650 

But  what  can  deeds  of  desperation  stay  1 
With  three  times  fifty,  Trimble  smites  his  way  ! 
The  rest  lie  mix'd  with  savage  monsters  slain  ; 
Some  fled  to  heaven — some  weltering  on  the  plain. 


DEFEAT   ON   THE   MIAMI.  133 

Meade  yet  had  life  ! — Tecumseh  saw  him  blind, 
And  pity  came  and  melted  down  his  mind  : 

"  Tecumseh,  I  am  he  ! — His  soul  remark, — 
He  shines  a  light  to  travellers  in  the  dark ! 
Me  guide  you  safe  to  yon  big  oak  in  heaven — 
To  cool  your  blood,  there  water  shall  be  given."    660 

Meade  heard  his  voice — and  now  his  hand  he  felt, 
Which  caus'd  the  life-cords  of  his  heart  to  melt  ; 
Silent  he  follow'd  his  majestick  guide — 
At  length  he  gain'd  his  utterance  and  replied  : 

"  Great  chief  of  noble  mind  !     I  now  would  live, 
That  I  might  show  you  what  my  heart  would  give  ; 
The  world  would  feel  its  shame,  could  I  declare, 
A  man  of  nature,  with  fraternal  care, 
Proffer'd  his  hand,  a  blessing  to  supply  ; 
A  guiding  angel  to  blind  misery  !"  670 

Such  was  their  converse,  while  Tecumseh  led 
The  sightless  warrior  from  the  field  of  dead  ; 
Full  in  the  breeze  beneath  a  shading  oak 
He  sat  him  down,  remote  from  noise  and  smoke ; 
But  ere  Tecumseh  could  the  draught  provide, 
His  blood  grew  chill — he  sunk  away  and  died. 

Meantime,  Cawataw's  clan,  t'  avenge  his  death, 
While  flames  appear'd  to  issue  with  their  breath, 
Rush'd  like  a  whirlwind  on  the  hapless  brave, 
To  scalp  and  massacre  with  lingering  grave.  680 

Grim  Mai  Pock  heads  the  band,  whose  lurid  eye 
Shoots  the  dire  glance  of  savage  cruelty ; 
A  panther's  hide  hangs  o'er  his  shoulders  fell — 
His  painted  features  show  the  work  of  hell ; 
Fast  in  his  belt  the  murder'd  scalps  are  tied, 
From  which  blood,  oozing,  trickles  down  his  side  ; 
12    VOL.  n. 


134  PREDONIAD.      CANTO   XIV. 

The  thunders  of  his  voice  the  concave  rend  ; 
He  comes  all  dreadful,  like  a  roaring  fiend. 

The  hideous  monster  makes  a  sport  of  life, 
For,  as  he  wrathful  plunges  in  his  knife,  690 

He  stamps  his  heel  beside  the  gaping  wound, 
To  see  the  blood  spirt  upward  with  a  bound  ! 

Murray  lies  bleeding  by  the  side  of  Cox — 
Fierce  with  hell  rage,  he  fixes  on  his  locks, 
And  drags  him,  foaming,  o'er  the  piles  of  slain, 
While  his  fair  body  writhes  along  the  plain  ; 
The  youth  expiring  gasp'd,  deform'd  with  gore, 
Then  roll'd  his   eyes  to  heaven,  and  view'd  the  light 
no  more. 

So,  for  his  pastime,  a  rude  stripling  tears 
A  lilac,  blooming  in  its  tender  years  ;  700 

It  weeps  a  sorrowing  dew  upon  the  earth, 
To  be  thus  broken  in  its  days  of  mirth  ; 
A  fragrance  rich  as  heaven,  breathes  every  flower, 
Whose  purple  tints  outvie  the  new-born  hour. 
Its  charms  the  little  truant's  breast  excite — 
He  views  it  o'er  and  o'er  with  new  delight ; 
But  soon,  the  flower  his  wayward  fancy  cloys — 
Lost  its  late  beauty  and  bewitching  joys. 
Neglectful  of  its  sweets,  he  whirls  it  round, 
And  trails  its  loveliness  o'er  miry  ground  ;  710 

It  fades,  it  languishes,  it  wilts,  it  dies, — 
The  urchin  smiling  at  the  sacrifice. 

Thus  Murray  faded  in  his  youthful  bloom, 
And  sunk,  unlovely,  in  the  gory  tomb. 

Tecumseh  heard  the  massacreing  strife  ; 
The  grating  sound  of  battle-axe  and  knife  ; 


DEFKAT   ON   THE    MIAMI. 

Backward  he  flew,  indignant  at  the  scene, 

To  save  from  murder's  thrust  the  weltering  men. 

He  met  with  Mai  Pock  on  the  carnage  heath, 
Scalping  the  dying,  as  they  choke  for  breath  !         720 

The  lightning  passion  of  Tecumseh  flash'd, 
And  at  the  fiend  with  tyger  strength  he  dash'd  ; 
His  brand  descending  cleft  his  skull  in  twain — 
Grim  Mai  Pock  falls  and  bites  the  gory  plain, 
His  hands  convulsive  grasp  the  gouted  blood — 
His  eyes  roll  strangled,  'neath  the  sanious  flood, 
Which  foams  like  matter  from  a  daemon's  skull, 
Crowding  his  eyeballs  with  his  warm  brains  full. 

Tecumseh  thunders  forth  :  "  No  Indian  dare 
To  lift  a  knife,  the  scalp  from  skull  to  tear  !  730 

Mai  Pock  behold  !  and  fear  to  meet  the  dead, 
Not  dare  lay  finger  on  a  warrior's  head  ? 
Tecumseh's  hand  sustains  a  bleeding  foe — 
Quick  death  is  his,  who  smites  another  blow  ! 
Me  hate  the  coward — timid,  like  the  deer — 
But  joy  is  mine,  in  battle  day  severe, 
To  meet  Kentucky  strong,  a  mountain  oak — 
It  never  bends — it  breaks  by  lightning  stroke  !" 

His  voice  struck  terror  through  the  savage  life — 
They  stood  in  muteness  and  withdrew  their  knife.  74O 

The  dying  Patriots  view  him  with  an  eye, 
That  shows  a  tear  of  angel  purity  ; 
Faint  as  their  pulses  ebb  to  dusky  death, 
They  lisp  his  virtue  with  their  failing  breath  : 

"  Oh  had  we  power  to  utter  what  we  feel  ! 
But  ah,  life  ceases  ! — yet,  with  blood  we'll  seal 
That  speechless  glow  of  heart,  which  tongue  hath  given 

A  name,  but  not  the  thing" 

They  die, — they  visit  heaven  ! 


CANTO  XV. 


SORTIE  FROM  FORT  ME1GS 


ARGUMENT. 

Simultaneous  with  the  Assault  on  the  western  bank  of  the  Miami,  ;• 
Sortie  is  made  from  Fort  Meigs,  which  is  the  subject  of  the  pre 
sent  Canto. 

The  scene  is  laid  in  and  about  Fort  Meigs....The  time  is  about  six 
hcurs — from  Dudley's  landing  on  the  west,  till  night. 


FREDONIAD. 


CANTO  XV. 


WHEN  of  their  cheer  the  forted  had  partook, 
Shelby  to  Miller  of  Ohio  spoke — 
Miller  of  Hampshire  at  Quebec  was  chain'd, 
The  work  of  Hull,  by  which  the  land  was  stain'd 
With  mark  so  deep,  that  thousand  years  of  dew 
Will  never  bleach  the  canker  spot  from  view  : — 

"  Miller,  the  charge  is  thine.     Haste  and  display 
The  warriors  ready  for  the  bold  assay  ; 
Soon,  opposite  our  banner,  strike  the  shore, 
Then,  rush  we  forth,  and  Proctor  overpower  :          10 
By  which,  diversion  from  the  west  we'll  make, 
And  force  th'  invaders  back  upon  the  lake  ; 
Let  nothing  of  the  drum  or  fife  be  heard, 
That  no  mistrust  be  in  their  bosoms  stirr'd." 

Miller,  obedient  at  the  summons,  rose, 
To  each  the  daring  purpose  to  disclose  ; 
To  Stoddard,  Ritzer,  Johnson,*  Sedwick,  Todd  ; 
Ball,  Metcalf,  Alexander,  Bradford,  Wood  ; 
And  thus  to  them  in  turn  :  "  Your  cohorts  form, 
Ready  with  steel  besieging  powers  to  storm  ;  20 

*  John  T.  Johnson. 


140  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XV. 

Time  hurries  brief,  when  we  expect  to  mark 
The  barge  descend  to  mount  yon  bulwarks  dark." 

Immediate  at  the  word  each  chief  obey'd, — 
Soon  stand  the  squadrons  in  deep  rank  array'd  ; 
Their  burnish'd  arms  like  gleaming  ice  appear, 
Flashing  broad  day  upon  the  sight  severe. 

And  now  the  veteran,  crown'd  with  hoary  hair, 
Forward  advances  with  majestick  air 
To  give  an  inspiration  to  the  band, 
Strengthening  the  heart  to  do  the  bold  command  :    30 

"  Columbians  of  the  North  !  born  free,  as  brave  ! 
Are  ye  not  weary  to  be  bound  a  slave  ? 
And  will  ye,  felon-like,  in  prison  lay, 
With  scarce  admission  to  the  light  of  day  ? 
No — never — rise  and  break  the  prison  doors, 
And  dash  the  foe  impetuous  from  the  shores. 
When  land  our  brothers  to  assail  them  west, 
Then  rush  with  steel  and  plunge  it  in  their  breast  ; 
Now  to  your  sons  a  noble  fame  bequeath, 
And  round  your  brows  unfading  laurels  wreath.         40 

"  In  two  divisions  let  the  war  commence  ; 
Miller  strike  home  on  Reynold's,  Muir's  defence  ; 
And,  Alexander,  you  your  cohorts  lead, 
Where  Proctor  stands,  and  do  the  signal  deed. 

"  'Tis  now  !    Behold,  fast  landing  from  the  stream, 
The  heroes  form  !     How  dire  their  bayonets  gleam  ! 
Silent  advance,  and  firm  in  purpose  keep, 
And  smite  in  sortie  with  the  falchion  deep." 

In  two  divisions  without  sound  they  move, 
Like  clouds  dark  rolling  in  high  heaven  above.          50 
Todd,  Sedwick,  Stoddard,  Johnson,  Ritzer,  Ball, 
Miller  make  strong,  on  Reynolds,  Muir,  to  fall ; 


SORTIE  FROM  FORT  ME1GS.         141 

Wood,  Metcalf,  Bradford, — Alexander  join 
To  charge  on  Proctor  and  subdue  his  line. 

While  this  was  passing,  Chambers,  on  the  bank 
Of  the  Miami,  mark'd  the  steely  rank 
Of  Dudley,  forming  on  the  adverse  shore 
To  search  the  venom'd  drops  of  Elliot's  gore. 

He  flew  to  Proctor  with  a  hurried  breath, 
His  eyes  with  terror  glaring:  "  Lo,  with  death,         6O 
The  foe  descended  ! — landed  on  the  west, 
A  darkening  horror  plum'd  upon  their  breast  !" 

"  Thy  brain  is  turn'd  !     Not  possible  the  foe — 
Yes,  I  behold  the  ridgy  bayonets  now  !" 
Proctor  rejoin'd — convulsions  on  his  brow. 
"They  rise — they  rush — Behold !  Chambers,  pour  on — 
Dash  rapid  o'er  the  stream  and  crush  them  down  ! 
They  heed  not  Elliot's  thunder  !  give  support 

With  bayonet — 

"  Lo,  the  breaking  from  the  fort  ! 
On  all  sides  death  !     A  bold  resistance  show  !         70 
Drench  them  with  fire  !     Their  standards  overthrow." 

He  spoke  like  courage,  but  his  heart  shrunk  back  ; 
His  nerve  too  trembling  for  the  bold  attack, 
Led  on  by  Alexander  dark  and  still  ; 
But  Chambers  stood,  the  patriot  band  to  kill. 

"  Britons  !  shrink  not — but  look  them  in  the  face  ! 
Shame  to  the  soul,  that  faulters  with  disgrace  ! 
Let  flames  in  volumes,  'gainst  their  ranks  be  hurl'd — 
And  prove  your  arms  victorious  to  the  world." 

His  words  were  not  concluded,  when  the  roll        80 
Of  deafening  battle,  sounded  through  the  whole  ; 


142  FREDONIAD.      CANTO    XV. 

The  leaden  ruins  sung  along  the  skies  ; 
No  curtain  wink'd  of  the  Columbian  eyes  ; 
Though  many  a  random  bullet  glanc'd  a  vein, 
Yet  none,  save  one,  fell  bleeding  on  the  plain, 
And  that  was  Bradford.     Through  his  thighs,  a  ball 
Tore  its  rough  way,  and  brought  him  to  a  fall  ; 
His  burning  anguish  was  o'erpower'd  by  mind  : 

"  Push  to  the  mark,  and  never  look  behind  ! 
Here  fix'd  will  I  remain  to  view  the  man,  90 

Him,  who  dare  wave  the  colours  in  the  van, 
And  plant  them  high  on  yonder  parapet  ; 
And  then,  my  soul  this  torture  will  forget." 

Metcalf  was  pressing  hard  upon  his  rear, 
And  heard  his  voice,  which  brought  him  to  a  tear  ; 
He  snatch'd  a  standard  waving  by  his  side  ; 
Leap'd  to  the  foe,  as  leaping  to  his  bride. 
The  eagle  higher  in  the  air  was  seen  ; 
Proud  as  she  rose,  she  fann'd  the  fire  within. 
She  rests  upon  the  parapet  ! — A  cheer  100 

Informs  the  Bird  of  heaven  her  strength  is  near  ! 

"  Now  let  the  sharpening  of  the  steel  declare 
What  deaths  must  come,  when   Freedom  wills  to 
dare  !" 

The  time  allow'd  not  Alexander  more, 
Or  he  would  told  them  how  to  strike  the  core  ; 
Thick  in  the  thickest  of  the  blaze  they  dash  ; 
Blood,  hot  with  life,  is  seen  at  every  gash. 
As  arrowy  light  contends  with  morning  mist, 
So  pierce  the  steel  points  through  Britannia's  breast  ; 
The  royal  strength,  with  savages  combin'd,  110 

Scatter  like  chaff,  that  whirls  upon  the  wind. 


SORTIE    FROM    PORT    MEIGS.  143 

Forth  Alexander  spreads  a  ruin  round  ; 
Dismounts  the  cannon  from  the  breasted  mound  ; 
Breaks  their  supporting  arms  : — in  triumph,  then 
Despatches  to  the  fort  his  captur'd  men  ; 
But  stands  himself  reserv'd,  a  stretch'd-out  chain, 
To  keep  the  foe  from  passing  round  the  plain, 
Aid  t'  impart  to  Reynolds  on  the  rear, 
With  whom,  the  gallant  Miller  strives  severe.        119 

While  Proctor  thus  was  conquer'd,  Reynolds,  Muir, 
Stood  for  the  conflict  in  their  might  secure  ; 
Reynolds  the  squadrons  holding  on  the  right  ; 
Muir  those  the  left,  determin'd  in  the  fight. 

Ere  for  the  charge,  had  Miller  reach'd  the  gate, 
Stoddard  approach'd,  his  name  to  elevate  : 

"  Earnest  I  plead  the  opening  of  the  strife — 
T'  assail  the  foe  in  centre  of  his  life  ; 
My  soul  desires  to  meet  him,  steel  in  hand, 
Whilst  thou,  reserv'd,  shaltmark  my  wielding  brand." 

"  Brother  in  arms  !  to  thy  request  I  yield  ;         130 
Cheerful  to  thee,  I  render  up  the  field  : 
I  know  thy  bosom  palpitates  for  fame  ; 
Lead  to  the  battle — seek  a  deathless  name." 

The  instant  Miller  yielded  his  consent, 
Stoddard  proclaim'd  it  to  his  regiment  : 

"  Warriors  !  'tis  our  to  strike  preparative, 
And  to  the  foe  a  palsied  stroke  to  give  ; 
Let  every  bosom  for  the  field  enlarge  ; 
Portend  the  spear-points — heavy  thunder,  charge  !" 

As  down  the  mountain  cliffs  the  whirlwind  roars,  140 
Giving  dread  notice  of  tempestuous  showers  ; 


144  PREDONIAD.      CANTO   XV. 

Such  the  wild  echo  of  the  warriors'  tread, 
Jarring  the  earth  in  solid  phalanx  dread  ; 
Against  the  Albion's  left  the  tempest  rolls  ; 
A  brewing  hail- cloud  sweeping  from  the  poles. 

When  Muir,  with  lion  watch,  the  squadrons  saw, 
His  strength  he  strengthen'd  to  resist  the  war  : 

"  Behold  the  darkness  of  the  column  nigh  ! 
Britons  !  prepare  to  break  it,  or  to  die  ! 
Remember  Wolfe — and  if  ye  fall  like  him,  150 

Fame  from  oblivion  will  your  names  redeem." 

His  voice  was  lost  in  tumult — by  the  sound 
Of  clashing  armies  meeting  on  the  ground  ; 
Men  mix  with  men — in  desperate  strife  they  join, 
While  bayonets,  streak'd  with  blood,  gleam  horrid 
through  the  line. 

The  Albion  centre  from  the  field  retire, 
Where  Stoddard's  brand  shot  particles  of  fire  ; 
Muir,  mad,  beheld  the  slaughter  of  his  steel, 
And  touch'd  his  charger  with  his  goading  heel, 
And,  at  a  leap,  forth  rush'd  upon  the  brave  ;  160 

A  moment,  each  stood  frowning  like  the  grave  ! 

So  when  the  moon  ascends  in  midnight  deep, 
Climbing  through  clouds  from  Allegheny's  steep, 
Half  viewless  on  the  blast  is  seen  a  ghost, 
Striking  with  lightning  spear  a  gloomy  host 
Of  angry  spectres,  prostrate  in  his  wrath, 
Which  fall  like  dying  meteors  on  his  path  : 
But  lo,  in  moon-robes  clad,  fierce  from  the  north, 
A  hideous  form  with  thunder-brand  comes  forth, 
And  fronts  him  in  his  rage  !  yet  ere  they  raise         1 70 
To  strike  and  set  the  elements  in  blaze, 


SORTIE    PROM    FORT   MEIGS.  145 

While  standing  on  the  edge  of  adverse  cloud, 
They  frown  so  deep  it  muffles  heaven  in  shroud  ! 

Thus  Muir  and  Stoddard  met  upon  the  field, 
And  in  suspense  the  warring  armies  hejd. 

The  pausing  done — in  circles  broad  they  sweep 
Their  fiery  blades — and  clash,  and  clash,  and  leap, 
And  rise,  and  bend,  and  push,  and  fence,  and  thrust, 
To  smite  each  other  backward  to  the  dust  ; 
And  while  the  sparkles  round  their  "falchions  gleam,  180 
Their  eyes,  fast  riveted,  unwinking  beam, 
And  pierce  the  hidden  soul,  marking  the  blow, 
Ere  the  quick  arm  the  circumstance  can  show  ; 
Oft  in  the  distance  of  a  hair,  they  play 
Just  as  the  other  parries  it  away. 

At  length,  their  passion  to  a  frenzy  rais'd, 
Dreadful  they  thrust  !      The  sword  of  Stoddard  graz'd 
The  life  of  Muir — his  plume,  and  horsehair  white, 
Are  cleft  away — but,  on  his  helmet  bright, 
The  steel  is  shatter'd  with  a  ringing  sound  ;  190 

The  glittering  point  flies  sparkling  to  the  ground. 
Muir's  lifted  brand  descends  upon  his  brow  ; 
The  high-arch'd  brain-wall  fractures  at  the  blow  ; 
His  hands  forego  the  reins — he  reels,  he  dies  ; 
He  yields  his  spirit  to  th'  indulgent  skies. 

As  stands  some  monument  of  lofty  brow, 
Above  the  elemental  clouds  of  snow 
That  float  along  the  sphere,  to  speak  to  fame 
Rescue  from  tyrants,  or  some  patriot's  name  ; 
Fix'd  on  its  base,  immoveable  in  form,  200 

It  laughs  defiance  at  the  uproar'd  storm  ; 
But  lo,  it  totters,  by  an  earthquake  riven  : 
Reels — falls  to  dust — its  place  is  lost  in  heaven  ! 

13      VOL.   II. 


146  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XV. 

So  Stoddard  fell  in  ruins  on  the  plain, 
Mix'd  with  his  enemies,  promiscuous  slain. 

While  Stoddard's  blood  flows  forth,  Miller  displays 
A   thick,  black   cloud,  edg'd  round   with   lightning 

blaze  ; 

Hot,  fierce,  and  dark,  the  maddening  battle  comes  ; 
Guns  thundering,  bayonets  gleaming,  rattling  drums  ; 
Columbia  charges  with  the  edge  of  steel  ;  210 

Again,  the  royals  from  the  combat  reel. 

But  Reynolds  now  his  solid  files  pours  on, 
And  stays  the  flying  squadrons  of  the  throne. 
The  powers  conjoin'd,  make  earth  beneath  them  jar  ; 
Fierce  slaughter  swells  the  gory  tide  of  war ; 
In  equal  balance  the  contention  burns  ; 
Each  rank  progressing — none  with  faultering  turns  ; 
Miller,  obscur'd  with  dust,  exerts  his  might, 
And  loud  proclaims  to  hold  the  desperate  fight  : 
"  Deep  plunge   the  reeking  blade   with  soul  in 

wrath !  220 

Let  carnage  smile  with  grimness  on  our  path  ! 
Or  vict'ry's  light  shall  dwell  upon  our  brow, 
Or  death  shall  fold  us  in  our  blood  below  !" 

His  squadrons  catching  flame  at  every  word, 
Mix  steel  with  steel,  and  clashing  sword  with  sword. 

As  when  a  vessel,  by  the  strength  of  steam, 
Surmounts  the  current  of  Ohio's  stream  ; 
The  glowing  furnace  gives  her  engines  play, 
Which,  through  the  water,  forces  her  away. 
She  gains  the  falls — and  now,  to  mount  them  o'er,  230 
Requires  a  stronger  exercise  of  power  ; 


SORTIE    PROM   FORT   MEIGS.  147 

The  hardy  watermen  with  reeking  toil 
Quicken  the  furnace  with  inflaming  oil, 
Which  forth  with  violence  excites  the  blast, 
As  fire  infernal  to  the  flames  were  cast. 

So  Miller's  voice  augments  the  strife  of  arms  ; 
With  groaning  tumult  swell  the  dire  alarms  ; 
But  Reynolds,  Muir,  stand  equal  in  their  fame, 
And  lighten  heaven  with  one  unbroken  flame. 

Thus  when  the  Oragon  tremendous  pours  240 

Down  the   rough  mountains,  swell'd  with  torrent 

showers  ; 

From  thence  rolls  onward  with  impetuous  force 
To  drive  back  Ocean  to  his  mother  source  ; 
Old  Ocean,  rising  hoary  from  the  main, 
Piles  watery  battlements  to  guard  his  reign  ; 
The  waves  resistless  meet  in  warring  shock  ; 
The  shores  reverberate,  and  reeling  rock  ; 
The  spongy  foam  in  tortur'd  wreaths  is  driven  ; 
The  mad-toss'd  billows  break  the  clouds  of  heaven. 

Columbia  charges  thus, — thus  Albion  stand,        250 
Whilst  War's  rough  voice  roars  bellowing  round  the 
land. 

Many  and  various  were  the  wounds  that  show'd, 
From  which  the  purple  streams  abundant  flow'd. 

The  plume  of  Ritzer  from  his  crown  was  shot, 
And  the  fleet  ball  the  temporal  artery  cut, 
From  which  the  warm  blood  trickled  o'er  his  face, 
And  made  him  look  like  Albion's  allied  race  ; 
But  soon  a  bandage  skilfully  applied, 
Suppress'd  the  jetting  of  the  crimson  tide  ; 


148  FREDONIAD.       CANTO   XV. 

Nothing  the  foe  was  favour'd  by  the  wound  ;  260 

His  very  look  spread  fearful  ness  around. 

Sedwick,  while  wrenching  from  a  grenadier, 
With  tugging  effort  hard,  his  deep-drove  spear, 
Between  the  sacred*  and  vertebral  bone, 
Heard,  icy,  on  his  left  a  dying  groan, 
Which  call'd  his  eye  away  ; — whom  should  it  be  ? 
Todd  in  the  throes  of  sweating  agony  ! 
An  espontoon  was  driven  through  his  foot, 
While  near  at  hand,  a  British  captain  mute 
Held  to  the  far  extreme  with  nerves  cramp'd  tight,  270 
Whom  Todd,  the  moment,  had  depriv'd  of  light  : 
Sedwick  forth  sprung — forsook  the  grenadier 
To  give  him  succour  in  his  grief  severe. 
In  sitting  posture,  pressing  with  each  heel 
Beside  the  wound,  he  drew  the  torturing  steel  ; 
Todd,  by  the  sudden  losing  of  his  pain, 
Fainted — two  soldiers  bore  him  from  the  plain  ; 
And  Sedwick  seiz'd  the  weapon  of  the  dead, 
And  done  such  deeds  as  made  his  path  look  red. 

Johnson,  (a  name  remember'd  with  delight,)       280 
While  with  his  brand  was  urging  on  the  fight, 
He  found  him  hurl'd  bewilder'd  on  the  ground  ; 
In  vain  he  sought  discovery  of  the  wound  ; 
His  brain  was  jarr'd,  and  hence  amaz'd  he  stood, 
Lost  to  himself — but  soon,  supporting  blood, 
With  hurrying  motion,  hasten'd  to  relieve 
The  reason-working  power — his  thoughts  revive  ; 
Instant  the  cause  is  obvious  to  his  view  ; 
A  cannon  globe  had  pierc'd  his  charger  through, 

*  Bone  next  the  loins. 


SORTIE  FROM  FORT  MEIGS.  149 

Whose  entrails  large  were  spread  upon  the  plain,  290 
No  more  to  feel  the  cramping  of  the  rein. 
Johnson  the  momentary  pause  redeem'd  ; 
Lock'd  with  the  foe,  a  fire  his  falchion  seem'd. 

Vain  would  it  be  to  number  all  that  bled, 
Or  those  who  sunk  on  valour's  gory  bed  ; 
The  Muse  would  faint,  and  never  could  there  be 
An  end  of  singing  to  their  memory. 

Now  Muir,  half  seen,  by  Miller  is  descried, 
Urging  the  battle  in  his  native  pride  ; 
The  warrior  spurs  upon  him  with  his  steed —         300 
He  finds  him  sweating  where  the  bravest  bleed. 

Each  looks  defiance  at  the  other's  eye  ; 
At  once  in  troubled  air  their  falchions  fly  ; 
The  dauntless  Briton  gather'd  in  his  might, 
Strikes — to  plunge  Miller  to  the  shades  of  night  ; 
But,  by  quick  bending,  he  avoids  the  blow — - 
Rising,  he  wields  his  brand  upon  the  foe, 
Which  as  it  circles  in  a  downward  sheer 
Cleaves  the  depending  portion  of  his  ear — 
Tears  the  cheek  muscles — shatters  out  his  teeth,    310 
And  splinters  wide  the  bended  jaw  beneath. 
Swift  from  the  pulsing  artery,  that  supplies 
The  head  with  life,  the  blood  with  jetting  flies  ; 
His  swimming  eyes  in  heavy  darkness  roll ; 
From  wound  unsightly  wings  his  airy  soul. 

In  gory  dust  depends  the  warrior's  head — 
Sad  accident  ! — the  stirrup  holds  the  dead  ! 
The  steed  uncurb'd — affrighted  to  behold 
His  strong-arm 'd  rider  in  his  life  blood  roll'd, 
13*    VOL.  ii. 


150  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XV. 

Snorts,  and  flies  bounding  with  the  corse  behind  ;  320 
Wild  as  he  leaps,  it  mounts  into  the  wind, 
Then,  in  descending,  dashes  on  a  rock  ; 
The  walls  of  reason  shatter  by  the  shock  ; 
Wide  fly  the  brains  commingled  with  the  blood  ; 
The  courser  dashes  frenzied  through  the  wood. 
Ere  long,  oblique,  the  body  strikes  a  tree, 
Which  breaks  the  thigh  and  dislocates  the  knee  ; 
The  tight-wedg'd  foot  from  out  the  stirrup  flies, 
O'erwhelm'd  on  earth  the  mangled  warrior  lies,      329 
With  empty  casements  where  once  look'd  his  eyes. 

Meanwhile  the  Patriots,  on  the  rear  with  Clay, 
Heard  the  assault,  impatient  for  the  fray  ; 
Soon  they  the  order  heard  :  "  In  column  form  ! 
Hark  !  hear  you  not  the  breaking  of  the  storm  ! 
How  the  earth  trembles  !  'tis  the  bold  sortie 
Dash'd  from  the  fort  to  bend  the  tyrant  knee  : 
But  wherefore  this  delay  to  souls  like  thine  ? 
Rich  is  your  valour  as  Potosi's  mine  ; 
Hard  gripe  your  arms  with  sinews  lock'd  as  death, 
That  when  you  strike,  life  wilters  on  the  heath."    340 

They  press'd  with  flinty  bosoms — join'd  the  blast, 
When  Muir  by  Miller  on  the  earth  was  cast  ; 
At  the  same  instant  Alexander  came, 
And  flank'd  the  enemy  with  wasting  flame. 

Assail'd  upon  the  rear — on  front  and  flank, 
Their  souls  shrink  inward,  and  their  lines  disrank  ; 
But  Reynolds  stands  unconquer'd  in  his  might — 
His  eyes  like  burning  of  the  sparks  of  night : 


SORTIE    PROM   FORT    MEIGS.  151 

"  Shrink  not  !      Let  each  sublime  his  name  to 

heaven ! 

Against  th'  encircling  powers  let  steel  be  driven  !    350 
Stand — rise  superior  to  the  storm  of  death, 
And  as  ye  fall,  with  smiling  yield  the  breath  !" 

The  fight  was  madden'd  by  his  voice  ; — but  all 
His  efforts  are  in  vain — his  people  fall  ; 
Blood  makes  them  faint — they  waver — break,  retire — 
Miller  pursues  them  with  assailing  fire. 
As  column'd  smoke  is  scatter'd  by  the  wind, 
So  fly  the  enemy,  with  terror  blind  ; 
Hard  at  the  borders  of  the  lake  they  crowd, 
Wild  rout  and  havock  waste  away  their  blood  ;       360 
They  loose  their  barges  with  a  dashing  oar, 
Whilst  bolted  thunders  strike  them  from  the  shore. 

The  Patriots  shout  the  victory  on  high, 
Back  comes  the  joyful  echo  from  the  sky  ; 
Then  to  the  fort,  flags  waving,  they  repair, 
While  the  shrill  musick  dances  on  the  air. 

With  heart  o'erflowing  Harrison  proceeds  : 
"  Brothers  ! — co-patriots  of  immortal  deeds  ! 
On  eagle  pinions  will  our  memories  rise 
For  this  day's  valour  in  its  victories  !  370 

Your  every  footstep  on  the  soil  this  day, 
Will  make  it  holy  till  old  Time's  decay  ! 

Yea — and  a  monument,  where  now  we  stand, 
Will  speak  the  daring  prowess  of  the  band, 

Who,  for  the  love  of  Liberty's  sweet  breath, 

Conquer'd  their  enemies  in  face  of  death, 

And  pluck'd  the  laurel  green" 


152  FRKDONIAD.       CANTO  XV. 

He  paus'd  !  what  damp'd  his  tongue, 
Which  with  sweet  musick  to  the  warriors  rung  ? 

Alas,  'twas  Trimble  that  appall'd  his  sight, 
And  struck  him  palsied  from  his  mental  height  ;     380 
With  blood  yet  oozing  from  his  wounds  he  came — 
His  tottering  step  declared  his  feeble  frame  ; 
His  band,  unable  to  sustain  their  weight, 
Fainted  through  weakness  ere  they  reach'd  the  gate. 

The  scene  of  wo  subdu'd  the  patriot  breast 
From  the  proud  bearing  of  their  vict'ry  bless'd, 

Thus  when  Columbians  on  th'  immortal  Fourth, 
Sublime  to   celebrate  their  nation's  birth, 
Make  the  wide  welkin  echo  to  the  sound 
Of  welcome  thunders,  breaking  from  the  ground  ;  390 
And  after  which,  with  pomp  the  musick  comes 
Of  pipes  and  hautboys,  clarionets  and  drums  ; 
The  goblets  dance  with  overfloAving  wine, 
Touching  the  heart  with  something  that's  divine  ; 
Proud  to  the  zephyr's  breath  the  Stars  are  given  ; 
Balloons,  exulting,  climb  the  orb  of  heaven  ; 
A  round  of  pleasures  captivates  the  soul 
With  toasts,  and  musick,  and  the  flowing  bowl. 

Lo,  in  the  midst  of  joy  the  tidings  come,  399 

That  Jefferson  has  fail'd,  and  Adams  found  the  tomb  ! 

No  longer  welcome  thunders  sound  to  heaven, 
But  mournful  lumberings  to  their  tones  are  given  ; 
The  fifes,  the  hautboys,  clarionets  and  drums, 
Change  their  shrill  notes  to  something  that  benumbs. 
The  goblet's  brim,  that  touch'd  the  spring  of  mind, 
Sickens  the  soul — leaves  bitterness  behind  ; 
Balloons,  supported  on  the  mounting  air, 
Drop  to  the  earth,  as  weighted  with  despair. 


SORTIE   FROM   FORT   MEIGS.  153 

The  Stars  grow  dark — sink  mourning  from  the  mast 
Half  its  descent,  and  sigh  at  every  blast  ;  410 

In  cheeks  late  dress'd  in  smiles,  deep  grief  appears  ; 
Their  joys  are  dampen'd  with  a  shower  of  tears. 

Such  was  the  saddening  change  when  Trimble  stood, 
Gash'd  with  deep  wounds  and  purpled  with  his  blood. 

At  length,  when  seated — and  of  wine  partook, 
He  thus  with  feebleness  the  silence  broke  : 

"  My  soul  gives  back  to  speak  the  fatal  day — 
Our  brothers  slumber  in  their  robes  of  clay  ; 
They  sleep  the  solemn  sleep — the  sleep  of  death, 
Wrapt  in  the  shrouds  of  blood  upon  the  heath.      420 

"  Dudley" 

By  grief  his  utterance  was  suppress'd, 
Till  the  pent  sigh  was  vented  from  his  breast : 

"  Yea — Dudley  rich  with  life  hath  found  his  doom  ; 
He  asks  the  charity  of  a  covering  tomb. 
His  strength  in  battle  was  a  whirlwind's  breath  ; 
Ranks  fell  before  him  in  the  gasp  of  death  ; 
His  falchion  was  a  gleam  of  heaven's  fierce  light. 
When  fiery  clouds  are  on  the  brow  of  night  ; 
An  angry  meteor,  burning  in  its  path, 
Flaming  the  edges  of  the  clouds  in  wrath,  430 

Was  Dudley's  brilliant  course,  then,  like  a  spark 

Lighting  the  storm,  he  dropp'd  into  the  dark  !" 

*         #         *         *         #         *         *         #         * 

A  solemn  stillness — something  like  despair, 
Follow'd  his  voice — no  whisper  stirr'd  the  air  ; 
Yet  Dudley's  valour  dull'd  the  edge  of  grief, 
That  seem'd  too  sharp  for  possible  relief ; 
Thus  was  the  passion  working  on  the  soul^ 
Compos'd  of  wonder  and  despairing  dole. 


154  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XV. 

At  length,  the  hoary  chief  the  deep  pause  broke- 
He  wip'd  his  tears  and  these  reflections  spoke  :         440 

"  Men  are  like  flowers,  that  quicken,  bud,  and  bloom, 
Then  languish,  fade,  and  wither  in  the  tomb  ; 
Mark,  when  a  rose,  begemm'd  with  virgin  dew, 
Is  sever'd  from  the  stem  where  sweet  it  grew, 
A  softening  pity  steals  upon  the  mind 
To  see  its  beauty  scatter'd  in  the  wind  : 
But  when  the  season  of  its  prime  is  done — 
Never  no  more  to  blush  upon  the  sun, 
We  heed  it  not — for  nature  bids  it  die  ; 
We  acquiesce — nor  mourn  its  memory  :  450 

"  And  thus  it  fares  with  man — when  green  in  charms. 
His  life  pale  withers  in  Death's  icy  arms, 
We  mourn  his  exit — sorrow  pours  the  tear 
To  mark  his  beauty  shrouded  on  the  bier  ; 
But  when,  with  age  subdu'd — gray,  palsied,  blind, 
He  weds  the  dust  and  yields  to  heaven  his  mind, 
The  heart  scarce  feels  it — Man  but  lives  to  die — 
When  press'd  with  years,  how  slight  the  passing  sigh  ! 

"  Happy  the  man,  who  withers  in  his  bloom  ; 
The  tear  of  sorrow  sanctifies  his  tomb.  560 

So  Dudley's  grave  will  be  forever  blest  ; 
A  nation's  grief  will  glorify  his  rest. 

"  But  nothing  longer  must  our  sorrows  stay 
The  last  sad  office  to  his  hallow'd  clay  ; 
All  that  the  living  can  bestow  the  dead 
Is  to  enfold  them  in  their  dusty  bed. 

"  Johnson,  the  barges  ply  with  muffled  oar, 
And  pass  Miami  to  the  fatal  shore, 
And. there  the  dead  inhume — but  his  remains 
Bear  o'er  the  flood  to  shrine  them  on  the  plains  !       470 


SORTIE    FROM   PORT   MEIGS.  155 

And,  Metcalf,  you  with  your  battalion  go, 
And  glean  the  battle-field  of  friend  and  foe  ; 
Bring  Stoddard  to  the  fort,  and  slaughter'd  Muir, 
Who,  though  a  Briton,  yet  his  soul  was  pure. 
A  generous  foe  deserves  an  honour'd  grave, 
To  sleep  death's  slumber  with  th'  immortal  brave." 
With  hearts,  freighted  with  sorrow,  at  command, 
The  chiefs  proceeded  with  selected  band. 
They  do  the  solemn  rite  with  reverence  pure  ; 
Metcalf  conveys  to  fort  both  Stoddard,  Muir.  480 

And  Johnson  bears  the  lifeless  Dudley  o'er, 
While  the  sad  guns  by  measured  minutes  roar. 

The  shrouded  bodies  in  their  graves  they  lay, 
As  mellow'd  heaven  withdraws  its  evening  ray  ; 
The  clods  descending  on  the  coffins,  sound 
With  hollow  rumbling  deep — the  mourners  round 
Hear  the  chill  note,  and  shudder  on  the  ground. 

Three  solemn  vollies  o'er  their  tombs  they  roll, 
That  speak  a  language  awful  to  the  soul ; 
And  then,  with  crowded  bosoms,  evermore  490 

Leave  them  to  moulder  on  Miami's  shore. 

The  anxious  traveller,  as  he  journies  by, 
May  know  the  spot  where  they  in  darkness  lie  : 
Where  rests  the  head  of  Muir,  an  oak  has  rose, 
Spreading  its  shadows  as  it  loftier  grows  ; 
O'er  Dudley's  tomb,  and  Stoddard's  mouldering  grave. 
Two  infant  cedars  in  the  light  breeze  wave  : 
Eternal  roots  support  their  heads  serene, 
Rob'd  in  the  beauty  of  unchanging  green.  499 


CANTO  XVI. 


SANDUSKY. 


ARGUMENT. 

Disaffection  of  the  Indians. ...The  descent  of  Fredonia.... Invest 
ment  of  Fort  Sandusky....The  Flag  of  Truce.... The  Bombard 
ment.... Proctor  defeated. 

The  scene  is  laid  at  Maiden,  in  Heaven,  on  the  White  Mountains, 
and  at  Sandusky..,.The  time  is  three  days. 


FREDONIAD 


CANTO  XVI. 

MEANTIME  the  wild-men  driven  from  the  shore. 
For  Maiden  hurried  with  impetuous  oar  ; 
Landed — they  show'd  a  strangeness  in  their  cast, 
Like  those  condemn'd  to  perish  in  the  blast 
For  gibbet  crimes.     In  vain  they  strove  to  rest, 
For  dreams  of  dying  lurk'd  within  their  breast. 
They  shrunk  with  panick  thoughts  : — yea,  even  yet 
Their  fancy  sees  upon  the  parapet 
The  gallant  Metcalf  wave  the  standard  forth, 
And  hears  the  shout  that  bounded  from  the  earth,        10 
As  band  of  Alexander  rush'd  along 
With  death's  deep  promise  breaking  from  their  tongue  ; 
They  think  at  times,  that  Miller's  sword  is  seen, 
Like  fire  of  heaven,  that  smites  the  souls  of  men. 

At  length,  new  day  appearing  in  the  skies, 
The  race  of  blood  in  dire  confusion  rise  ; 
A  sourness  gathers  in  Tekelah's  eye, 
That  his  young  warriors  found  mortality. 
Cawataw's  cannibals  reveal  their  ire, 
By  reason  that  Tecumseh  sav'd  from  fire  20 


160  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XVI. 

Their  victims,  captur'd  on  the  Dudley  shore, 
Where  their  grim  chief  was  slaughter'd  in  his  gore. 
They  beat  their  bosoms  with  bewilder'd  air — 
And,  mad  with  fury,  fix  upon  their  hair, 
And  rend  it,  bleeding — dizzy  in  their  brains, 
With  dismal  howl  they  start  th'  affrighted  plains. 

So  gaunted  wolves  with  raven  maws  surround 
A  snowy  flock  to  seize  them  at  a  bound  ; 
But,  cautious,  wait  the  fading  of  the  day — 
In  mind  already  fasten'd  on  their  prey  ; —  30 

Behold  the  village  swains  their  path  beset, 
And  make  with  gushing  blood  the  pasture  wet ; 
Some  breathe  no  more,  but  others  wing  their  speed  ; 
A  look  subdues  their  life — they  stop,  they  bleed. 
At  length,  with  panting,  they  descend  their  cave, 
Where  soon  with  hunger  they  begin  to  rave  ; 
Each  maddening  each  to  desperation's  height, 
By  each  accusing  other  of  the  flight, 
Pealing,  in  concert  dire,  a  deafening  yell, 
Loud  as  the  scream  of  agony  in  hell.  40 

Like  this,  the  allies  of  the  Albion  king, 
With  frightful  bowlings  make  the  welkin  ring. 

Tekelah,  lowering  with  a  settled  gloom, 
Points  with  his  bloody  battle-axe  for  home ; 
Silent  his  clan  take  notice  of  the  sign, 
And  press  behind  him  in  a  deepening  line. 

Tecumseh  saw  the  disaffected  host, 
And  swift  pursu'd  it  ere  the  whole  were  lost  ; 
A  keen  vexation  eating  on  his  heart, 
To  think  the  chiefs  should  darken  and  depart.  50 


SANDUSKY.  161 

He  seem'd  to  wing  his  way — on  air  to  swim, 
Such  inward  spirit  quicken'd  every  limb. 

Thus  when  a  carriage  on  descending  plains, 
The  post  resigning  to  the  steeds  the  reins, 
Flies  with  hot  motion — darting  by  the  wind, 
Leaving  a  cloud  of  up-whirl'd  dust  behind  ; 
Each  wheel  so  rapid  on  its  axle  turns, 
That  earth  beneath  it  with  the  friction  burns  ; 
The  whirling  spokes,  deceptious  mock  the  eye, 
Lost  in  the  circle  of  rapidity.  60 

Such  was  the  progress  of  Tecumseh's  speed, 
As  half  enrag'd  he  bounded  o'er  the  mead  ; 
And  like  the  wheel-spokes  were  his  flying  feet 
Mix'd  in  the  sight,  their  motion  was  so  fleet. 

Soon  he  Tekelah  in  his  path  o'ertakes, 
And  brief  the  purpose  of  his  coming  breaks  : 

"  Brother,  why  home,  and  rest  the  tomahawk  1 
Bid  stand  your  warriors — hold  we  here  a  talk." 

Tekelah  at  the  summons  wav'd  his  hand — 
Sullen  in  place,  his  train  like  murder  stand.  70 

He  paus'd, — and  thus  :  "  Tecumseh,  we  despise 
Proctor — he  fly  before  his  enemies  ; 
Large  did  he  promise  plunder  in  the  fray  ; 
But  noise  of  battle  make  his  heart  give  way." 

Tecumseh  then  :  "  Too  near  of  truth  you  talk  ; 
Proctor  pale  blood — he  crooked  in  his  walk  ; 
But  hatchet  bury  not — keep  mad  the  wars  ; 
The  Spirit  Great  will  give  to  us  the  cause. 

"  Our  fathers'  ghosts  behold  us  in  their  joy — 
Yes,  soon  shall  we  our  enemies  destroy  ;  80 

On  airy  cloud  in  heaven,  in  loose  robes  white, 
I  saw  them  smile  for  my  success  in  fight ; 

14*     VOL.  II. 


162  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XVI. 

Cawataw's  shade  in  prime  of  youth  was  seen, 
And  other  chiefs  in  years  of  beauty  green  ! 

"  Admit  that  we  in  strife  of  arms  should  die, 
Would  we  not  mount  like  eagles  in  the  sky 
To  sport  with  nimble  feet  upon  the  lawn, 
Or  chase  the  elk,  or  tame  the  speckled  fawn  ? 
There,  game  of  every  wing  in  flocks  appear, 
And  buffaloes,  and  flying-footed  deer  ;  90 

There,  when  we  list,  the  silver  streams  we'll  swim, 
And  drink  till  gladness  lightens  every  limb  ; 
Should  death  the  brave  man  startle  with  affright, 
When  such  rare  scenes  are  ready  for  delight  ? 

"  Have  you  not  often  eagerly  pursu'd 
The  flying  chase  through  many  a  boundless  wood, 
Till  your  joints  trembled  with  excess  of  toil, 
About  to  sink  and  breathe  upon  the  soil  ; 
But  in  the  act  of  yielding  up  the  cast, 
A  lucky  arrow  took  the  game  at  last :  100 

"  So  now,  perhaps,  our  greatest  toils  are  done — 
To-morrow  glories  in  a  brighter  sun. 

"  Think  not  of  home — rejoin  the  fight  with  power — 
We'll  drive  them  yet  beyond  Ohio's  shore  ; 
Me  give  you  large  wide  hunting  ground  and  good — 
From  the  Miami  to  the  Wabash  flood  ; 
Prophet,  from  thence  to  Mississippi  west ; 

To  other  chiefs  me  portion  out  the  rest." 

##***###* 

Tekelah  thus, — when  broken  was  his  pause  : 
"  Wise  be  your  tongue — me  join  you  in  the  cause."  1 10 

No  more  of  words  between  the  chiefs  was  said — 
Tekelah  drew  his  tomahawk — a  dread 


SANDUSKY.  163 

Deep  muster'd  in  his  eye  as  forth  it  came, 

Which  storm'd  his  countenance  and  shook  his  frame  : 

He  whirl'd  it  round  and  pointed  to  the  path  ; 

Instant  his  clan  express'd  their  former  wrath, 

Pealing  the  war-song  with  discordant  yell, 

Like  furies  loosen'd  from  the  bonds  of  hell. 

To  Maiden  back  they  hie  with  gestures  dire, 

At  every  step  their  madness  kindling  higher.  120 

And  now,  his  charger  Proctor  mounts  in  style  ; 
His  army  squar'd  and  solid  every  file. 
His  left  the  bit  commands — his  dexter  hand 
Sustains  with  regal  port  his  polish'd  brand  ; 
Its  burnish'd  point  above  his  shoulder  gleams  ; 
And,  in  appearance,  brave  as  Wolf  he  seems  ; 
His  words  come  boasting  with  a  pompous  sound 
To  royal  legions — savages  around  : 

''•  What  though  the  Fort  hath  not  surrender'd  ours, 
Few  suns  shall  pass  before  we  gain  its  powers  ;        130 
Our  courage  yet  is  whole.     I've  form'd  a  plan 
By  which  we'll  subjugate  their  every  man. 
Ere  this,  should  we  have  scatter'd  them  in  rout, 
Had  it  not  been  for  that  deceiving  scout, 
Which  stay'd  our  bulwark  labours  in  the  night, 
And  made  us  vain  the  empty  darkness  fight ; 
But  understanding  what  is  their  deceit, 
Never  again  can  they  their  arts  repeat. 

"  Though  our  endeavours  at  the  fort  were  vain, 
Has  not  Tecumseh  strew'd  with  death  the  plain  ? 
An  army  triple  of  his  own  destroy'd, 
Which,  with  the  foe  has  made  a  dreadful  void  ! 


164  FREDONIAD.       CANTO    XVI. 

Let  none  look  grave  with  a  desponding  eye, 
We  yet  shall  strike,  and  strike  with  victory  ! 

"  We'll  now  retire.     But  when  bright   day   shall 

come, 

And  we  awaken'd  with  the  stirring  drum, 
In  ready  barges  rapid  we'll  repair 
To  Fort  Sandusky,  to  assail  them  there. 
A  spy,  who  hurried  to  the  camp  at  light, 
Informs,  a  boy  but  stands  against  our  might,  150 

With  others  green  in  years  ! — These,  when  they  spy 
The  Cross — for  mercy,  on  their  knees  will  cry  ; 
But  spare  not — lift  the  hatchet — slay  the  brood — 
Take  ample  vengeance  for  the  red  man's  blood  ! 

"  Now  when  Sandusky  to  our  will  is  bent, 
Then,  by  our  strength  and  skilful  management, 
Soon  we'll  compel  Miami  to  resign, 
And  on  th'  Ohio  post  our  southern  line  ; 
Yea,  from  the  lakes  to  that  dividing  flood, 
The  foe  surrenders,  or  he  swims  in  blood  !"          160 

Each  eye  approving  smil'd  to  hear  the  plan  ; 
The  hope  of  conquest  shone  from  rear  to  van  ; 
In  which  delusive  light  they  lose  the  pain 
Their  late  disaster  on  Miami's  plain  ; 
Nor  heed  the  darkness  which  at  distance  lowers, 
Again  to  overshade  with  death  their  powers. 

So  when  deep  clouds  a  village  overcast, 
Borne  in  thick  squadrons  on  the  winged  blast ; 
Thunders  explode  with  hail  and  forky  fires, 
While  the  red  tempest  in  its  rage  aspires  ;  170 

The  trembling  villagers  stand  shock'd  with  dread. 
To  mark  the  horrors  bursting  o'er  their  head. 


SANDUSKY. 


165 


At  length,  disparting  on  the  wings  of  heaven, 

The  clouds  fly  diverse — through  the  concave  driven  ; 

The  swains  rejoice  to  view  the  welcome  sun  ; 

All  their  past  terror  with  the  tempest  gone, 

Not  heeding  of  a  spot  that  stains  the  north, 

Soon  to  enlarge  and  hurl  new  terrors  forth. 

Not  otherwise  their  minds  forget  the  past  ; 
None  dream  the  gathering  of  a  second  blast,  180 

At  distance  brewing,  heavy  to  descend 
In  showers  of  death  their  brittle  life  to  rend. 

To  Proctor  now  Tecumseh  broke  his  mind, 
What  he  had  secret  to  himself  design'd  : 

"  I  well  approve  of  the  Sandusky  fight  ; 
But  we  with  art  must  compass  them  aright. 
What  talk  you  how  the  enemy  deceive — 
How  by  his  scouts  he  make  you  false  believe  1 
In  Indian  too,  deceit — at  Tip'canoe,  189 

Their  chief  thought  not  but  Prophet  meant  him  true  ; 
But  we  deceive,  to  strike  upon  him  dead 
Ere  he  should  break  the  slumber  of  his  bed. 

"  Now  listen  to  Tecumseh  :  Meigs  surround — 
With  me,  Tekelah  circle  on  the  ground  ; 
While  you  Sandusky  fight,  this  nest  we  bar, 
And  thus  divided  carry  on  the  war. 
Me  form  sham  battle,  as  their  friends  had  come 
Laden'd  with  things  of  luxury  from  home  ; 
They  hear  my  rifles — issue  from  the  fort, 
And  then  Tecumseh  show  them  day-light  sport."  200 

Him,  Proctor  smiling,  thus  :  "  Brother,  you've  stood 
The  first  in  council,  and  the  field  subdu'd ; 


166  PREDONIAD.      CANTO  XVI. 

But  this  your  plan  of  warfare  is  the  best, 
That  e'er  your  judgment  hath  made  manifest. 
But  should  your  battles  be  in  vain,  why  then, 
When  Croghan  yields,  with  royal-hearted  men 
I'll  storm  the  fortress — overleap  the  wall — 
The  Eagle  fluttering,  in  the  dust  shall  fall. 

"  Dixon,  to  you  Cawataw's  tribe  I  give, 
That  in  your  presence  not  a  youth  may  live.  210 

But,  Reynolds,  you  in  readiness  will  stand, 
Till  I  secure  possession  of  the  land, 
Then,  with  reserve,  the  lake  you'll  compass  o'er, 
And  plant  a  conquering  standard  on  the  shore. 

"  Now  to  pavilions,  royalists  !  repair, 
And  rest  the  mind,  made  weary  with  its  care, 
And  feast  the  body  on  luxurious  fare ; 
But  when  at  day,  the  reveille  shall  beat, 
Rise,  and  make  dark  the  waters  with  the  fleet.        219 

"  But  who  comes  straining  from  the  east '?" 

He  scarce  had  said, 

When  who  should  reach  the  field,  but  Vincent's  aid  ; 
Of  triumph  breath'd  his  voice  :  "  Proctor,  behold, 
The  pride  of  Freedom  in  the  dust  is  roll'd  ! 
At  Queenstown  Heights,  our  fame  hath  reach'd  its 

heaven — 

Before  our  steel,  invasion  back  is  driven  ! 
And,  as  by  York,  I  dash'd  along  the  path, 
Sheffie  stood  frowning  in  a  cloud  of  wrath, 
Ready  the  landing  of  the  foe  to  strike, 
Led  in  their  daring  by  the  sword  of  Pike  !" 

A  shout,  like  thunder  rolling,  broke  to  heaven,    230 
Thrice  to  the  earth,  the  echo  back  was  driven. 


SANDUSKY.  167 

Proctor  exclaim'd  :    "  The  States,  the  whole  are 

ours  ! 

They  wilt  before  us  like  the  noon-mow'd  flowers  ! 
The  English  oak  will  shade  them  from  the  sun — 
Their  summer's  past,  their  winter  has  begun  !" 

They  shouted  thrice  again — and  fil'd  away 
To  be  prepar'd  against  the  coming  day. 

Meanwhile  the  empyreal  glories  of  the  skies 
Beheld  the  war  with  their  immortal  eyes  : 
High  on  the  diamond  wall,  sublime  they  stood,       240 
Their  clear  orbs  rolling  in  a  lucid  flood 
Of  amber  light — But  now,  with  grace  divine, 
Imbower'd  with  fragrance,  in  the  grove  they  shine  ; 
On  golden  seats,  reclin'd  in  crescent  rings, — 
Their  bright  forms  shaded  with  their  rainbow  wings  ; 
Love  pours  its  holy  transport  from  each  eye, 
And  every  passion  of  sweet  ecstacy. 

Justice  arose,  unalter'd  in  his  look, 
And  with  a  dignity  of  utterance  spoke  : 

"  'Tis  now  decreed,  Fredonia,  heavenly  Maid,  250 
That  thou  descend  and  give  thy  offspring  aid  ; 
Deep  have  they  suffer'd  for  disunion,  now — 
Hence  hope  gives  promise  never  more  they'll  bow 
To  hell's  grim  agency — but  wisdom  learn 
By  past  affliction  and  to  faith  return  ; 
They  now  for  trial  probatory  stand, 
To  be  united,  or  a  broken  band  ; 
Hence,  not  as  yet  'tis  given  thee  to  consume 
The  host  infernal,  till  I  speak  their  doom.'7 

He  spoke  the  consult,  and  resum'd  his  seat,         560 
And  Independence  rose  with  soul  elate  : 


168  FRKDONIAD.      CANTO   XVI. 

"  Joys  of  divinity  my  breast  inspire, 
Touching  my  heart  with  a  celestial  fire, 
That  young  Columbians  on  the  battle  day, 
Th'  immortal  daring  of  their  sires  display  ; 
Hetnce,  with  the  foe  I'd  nothing  interfere, 
But  yield  to  them  the  fiery  fields  severe  ; 
Yet  with  strict  guard  observe  the  powers  of  night, 
They  aid  not  Albion  to  maintain  the  fight ; 
But  let  the  freeborn  build  their  own  renown  270 

By  native  effort,  striking  back  the  crown  : 
As  late,  Fredonia  on  Niagara's  tide 
Touch'd  with  her  spear  the  Fiend — subdu'd  his  pride, 
Then,  let  the  war  take  course — so,  even  now, 
Her  care  should  be  to  foil  the  gloomy  foe ; — 
But  if  that  Heaven  with  battles  interfere, 
Where  would  the  valour  of  our  sons  appear  ? 
Lo,  with  one  effort  we  could  sweep  away 
The  race  of  man,  reducible  to  clay  ; 
Let  mortal  single  against  mortal  stand,  280 

That  each  may  prove  the  virtue  of  his  land." 

Ere  he  had  ended,  every  heart  was  won, 
The  war  should  be  conducted  as  begun, 
Save  but  to  curb  the  future  strides  of  him, 
Who  burst  from  hell,  in  Freedom's  blood  to  swim  ; 
But  nothing  farther,  till  the  States  in  one 
Should  weld  their   strength  to   break  the  chaining 

Throne ; 

Then  they  decree,  Fredonia  from  the  earth 
Should  strike  him  backward  to  his  place  of  birth. 

The  Goddess  now,  and  the  celestials,  rise  290 

To  leave,  for  earth,  immortal  paradise; 


SANDUSKY. 


169 


She  gains  the  battlements  of  heaven  divine, 
Where  all  the  synod  in  due  order  shine  ; 
Infantile  Spirits  hover  round  the  Fair 
With  golden  harps  to  strike  the  sacred  air. 

Loose  round  her  temples,  whiter  than  the  snow 
That  sleeps  unsullied  on  the  mountain's  brow, 
A  garland  twines — compos'd  of  myrtle  rare — 
The  rose,  the  lily,  and  the  jessamine  fair  : 
These  bloom  luxuriant,  of  exquisite  dye,  300 

That  wakens  beauty  in  an  angel's  eye. 

Her  hair  as  touch'd  with  Love's  soft  fingers  curls, 
And  o'er  her  neck  like  melted  amber  furls, 
Flowing  exuberant,  wonderous  to  behold, 
Like  burnish'd  threads  of  pure  effulgent  gold. 

Light  o'er  her  polish'd  limbs,  a  robe  is  cast, 
Which,  in  its  texture,  nature's  works  surpass'd, 
Wrought  by  the  butterflies,  that  spin  in  heaven, 
Where  life  abundant  at  its  source  is  given  : 
Not  like  those  worms,  that  labour  on  the  earth,      310 
Dying  the  moment  they  receive  their  birth — 
But  when  the  winding  of  their  silk  is  done, 
They  shine  like  rainbows  glittering  in  the  sun  ; 
And,  like  the  things  of  heaven,  their  forms  improve, 
Sporting  eternal  in  the  beams  of  love. 

The  souls,  that  never  touch  the  earth,  receive 
These  beauteous  webs,  and,  with  light  fingers,  weave 
The  robes  of  seraphim, — in  which  appear 
The  mimick  stars,  that  decorate  the  sphere. 

Such  was  the  wond'rous  robe  Fredonia  wore      320 
To  take  her  flight  from  the  empyreal  shore  ; 
Three  radiant  zones  its  waving  folds  unite 
Round  her  fair  waist,   of  matchless  colours  bright — 
15    VOL.  ii. 


170  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XVI. 

The  red, — the  spotless  white, — unfading  blue, 
Shining  forever  with  a  brilliance  new. 

Her  wings  partake  the  fashion  of  a  dove, 
Half  spread,  to  leave  the  battlements  above  ; 
The  plumes  were  dipp'd  within  a  rainbow  dye, 
Then  fluid  gold  was  sprinkled  carelessly, 

Her  alabaster  arm  sustains  a  shield,  330 

Gold,  pure  with  fining — on  which  reveal'd, 
Are  Heights  of  Bunker  blazing  as  with  fire, 
And  Trenton  kissing  heaven  with  many  a  spire — 
Eutaw,  and  Monmouth,  and  the  plains  of  York 
And  Saratoga,  glitter  in  the  work. 

Beneath  these  emblems,  on  the  gold  is  seen, 
Inscrib'd  by  angel  hand  and  diamond  pen, 
The   Declaration,  which  proclaim'd  afar 
The  light  that  kindled  from  the  Freedom  Star. 
So  bright  the  splendour  of  the  wond'rous  shield,      340 
The  dazzling  suns  look  dim  upon  the  field  ! 

This  on  her  left :  Her  dexter  holds  a  spear, 
Temper'd  with  light  in  heaven's  sublimest  sphere  ; 
Its  vital  point  turns  dark  the  brightest  star — 
Full  in  the  blaze  of  heaven  its  brilliance  shines  afar. 

Lo,  now,  Fredonia  spreads  her  angel  wings  ! 
Loud  with  hosannas  the  empyreal  rings  ! 
The  infant  spirits  touch  the  quivering  wire, 
And  join  symphonious  to  the  ravish  choir  ; 
Hymming  proud  Liberty  in  choral  song—  350 

Her  praises  shouting  with  their  flaming  tongue — 
The  rights  of  man,  that  sanctifies  the  cause 
Of  th'  elective  franchise — Fredom's  equal  laws, 


SANDUSKY.  171 

Swelling  the  theme  sublime  with  musick  high, 
As  sails  the  Goddess  on  her  embassy. 

Down  the  pure  element  she  cleaves  her  way, 
While  round  her  burn  the  quenchless  beams  of  day  ; 
Heaven  stands  in  holy  gazing  at  her  flight, 
Through  shining  circles  of  effulgent  light. 
From  star  to  star — mid  blazing  orbs  divine,  360 

Of  which  no  mortal  ever  saw  their  shine, 
So  distant  plac'd  near  Deity's  abode, 
That  not  to  earth  their  radiance  yet  hath  flow'd, 
Though  since  creation's  birth  they've   shot  their 

beams, 
Swift  as  the  madded  lightning  when  it  gleams  ! 

At  each  exertive  motion  of  her  wing 
She  darts  her  way,  the  distance  of  the  ring 
That  circles  Saturn — next  outstrips  the  first, 
Trifold,  immense — to  reach  the  globe  of  dust  ; 
The  next  succeeding,  distances  the  last,  370 

Measuring  a  system  of  creation  vast ; 
The  swiftest  sparkle  of  far-shooting  light 
Creeps  in  its  course  to  her  immortal  flight ; 
The  vital  mind  upon  the  wing  of  fire, 
Which  at  a  thought  attains  its  high  desire, 
Scarcely  excels  her  wonderful  descent, 
Through  the  vast  regions  of  the  element. 

At  length  she  gains  the  system  of  the  sun, 
And  thinks  her  journey  to  the  earth  is  done  ; 
She  meets  the  comets  in  their  distant  round,  380 

Like  blazing  oceans  through  the  void  profound  ; 
At  once  she  strikes  her  wing  to  Herschell's  sphere  ; 
And  then  to  Saturn — then  to  Jupiter. 


172  PREDON1AD.       CANTO  XVI. 

A  gliding  motion  from  these  sun-lit  stars 
Finds  her  descended  to  the  angry  Mars  ; 
But  quick  she  turns  from  his  inflaming  eye, 
And  gains  the  Sun,  self-balanc'd  in  the  sky. 

Her  presence  adds  new  brightness  to  his  rays, 
And  wide  through  heaven  illuminates  his  blaze  ; 
The  spots  that  marr'd  the  beauty  of  his  face  390 

Shine  with  the  splendour  of  primeval  grace. 
With  eye  sublim'd  she  views  the  golden  chains, 
Which  hold  the  planets  in  their  circling  plains. 
And  silver  moons  that  round  about  them  play, 
Reflecting  back  the  image  of  liis  ray  : — 

Lost  for  a  moment,  wrapt  in  wonderment, 
Though  heaven  the  purest  was  her  element, 
She  marks  their  order  as  through  space  they  roll, 
Marshall'd  in  beauty  by  the  sun's  control. 

Long  had  she  gaz'd,  but  lo,  the  passing  Earth     400 
Caught  her  tranc'd  eye,  and  call'd  her  purpose  forth, — 
The  Sun,  to  favour  her  divine  descent, 
Calls  a  rich  cloud  from  Mercury's  firmament, 
And  gives  it  all  the  beauty  of  his  light, 
In  which  the  rainbows  kissingly  unite. 

The  Goddess  takes  the  present  with  a  smile, 
Folding  her  wings  upon  her  breast  the  while  ; 
And  now,  superior  seated  on  her  car, 
Smooth  she  descends  to  visit  earth  afar. 

Evening's  soft  light  was  melting  on  the  breast    410 
Of  mist-bath'd  mountains  when  she  gain'd  the  west  : 
Around  Columbia  on  the  cloud  she  sails — 
Not  by  the  buoyancy  of  breathing  gales, 


SANDUSKY.  17S 

But  by  the  will  that  in  herself  abides  ; 

Like  a  new  beauty  through  the  heavens  she  glides, 

Calling  the  gaze  of  wondering  mortals  forth, 

Like  when  bright  angels  visited  the  earth. 

Lo,  at  the  glance  of  her  immortal  eyes, 

The  land,  the  ocean,  like  enchantment  rise. 

Broad  round  the  ocean  she  extends  her  view       420 
To  mark  the  navy,  Albion  to  subdue  ; 
To  bring  the  sea-bred  Lion  to  his  knee, 
And  make  him  feel  the  power  of  Liberty. 
Rodgers  appears  with  all  his  sail-wings  bent 
Sublim'd  with  valour  in  the  President ; 
Hull,  Jones,  Decatur,  Warrington,  are  seen  ; 
Burroughs,  renown'd  with  honourable  men  ; 
Percival,  with  laughing  art  upon  his  mein  ; 
Allen,  and  Biddle,  Stewart,  mild  yet  brave  ; 
And  Barry,  Bainbridge,  fearless  on  the  wave.          430 

Next,  o'er  the  landscape  she  extends  her  eyes, 
And  the  progression  of  the  war  descries. 

At  Plattsburg.  Macomb  like  a  fortress  stands 
To  foil  invasion  with  his  chosen  bands  ; 
The  young  Macdonough,  glowing  in  his  pride, 
Launching  his  battle-ships  in  silver  tide  ; 
And  Perry,  at  the  Rock,  his  fleet  in  trim, 
Ready  at  signal  on  the  lake  to  swim. 
In  Chauncy's  navy,  warriors  led  by  Pike, 
York,  their  proud  capital  at  day  to  strike  ;  440 

And  Meigs,  and  Maiden.     After  which  appears 
Sandusky,  guarded  by  the  young  in  years. 
Johnson  is  seen  upon  Kentucky's  plain, 
Gathering  her  sons  to  curb  th'  oppressor's  reign  ; 

13*      VOL.   II. 


174  PREDONIAD.       CANTO    XVI. 

Combin'd  with  Shelby  to  invade  the  shore, 
And  humble  Proctor  and  the  savage  power. 

These  she  beheld,  as  evening's  mellow  beam 
Withdrew  from  earth  like  a  celestial  dream  ; 
She  leaves  her  car  in  heaven,  and  lights  serene, 
With  hallow'd  feet,  on  Vernon's  Mountain  green  ;    450 
Her  vital  touch  gives  quickening  to  the  tomb  ; 
Flowers,  worthy  heaven,  spring  forth  in  primal  bloom, 
The  pale,  green  willows,  that  around  it  mourn, 
Weep  their  soft  tears  of  sorrow  on  the  urn, 
While  thirteen  rainbows  circle  o'er  their  head, 
Form'd  by  the    incense  of  the  mighty  dead, 
Wrapp'd  in  the  dark  of  death  ; — each  radiant  bow, 
Bears  a  bright  star  of  beauty  on  its  brow, 
Round  which,  delicious  on  the  breath  of  even, 
JEolian  numbers  sound  by  deities  of  heaven.  460 

********  '-:• 

At  length,  the  solemn  darkness  melts  away — 
Faint,  one  by  one,  the  jewel  stars  decay  ; 
Yet  Venus  glows  more  bright,  as  they  decline, 
And  rob'd  in  loveliness,  delights  to  shine  ; 
Her  beauteous  eye  like  love  in  rapture  beams, 
And  trembling  sparkles  in  the  dark  blue  streams. 

The  sweet  enchantments  delicately  fade  ; 
The  car  of  clouds  descends,  and  bears  the  Maid 
Smooth  from  the  earth — too  gross  the  mortal  eye 
To  view  the  scenes  of  immortality.  470 

The  flowers  that  quicken'd  to  celestial  bloom, 
Sunk  in  the  bosom  of  the  darksome  tomb  ; 
The  star-crown'd  rainbows  melted  into  air, 
And  left  it  lonely  with  the  willows  there. 


SANDUSKY.  175 

Through  Albion's  camp,  the  drums  proclaira'd  the 

day — 

They  start — awaken — and  to  boats  away  ; 
Tekelah  joins  Tecumseh  with  his  power — 
They  launch,  for  Meigs,  their  barges  from  the  shore  ; 
Short,  Chambers,  Proctor — Dixon  with  his  horde, 
.And  Gordon,  bearing  a  commanding  sword  ;  480 

And  Prophet,  brother  of  Tecumseh — glide 
Swift  o'er  the  lake,  Sandusky  to  decide. 

Its  stream  they  enter'd,  as  the  sun  at  noon 
Stood  at  his  rest — the  little  fortress  soon 
Open'd  before  them  with  its  Eagle  high, 
Searching  the  beam  of  heaven  unwinkingly. 

They  land,  they  spread  innumerous  on  the  shore, 
Like  summer  insects,  when  in  swarms  they  pour. 

The  meantime  Croghan  ever  in  his  thought 
Had  held  the  precepts  that  the  veteran  taught,         490 
To  keep  his  mind  upon  the  royals  bent, 
And  then  the  fort  they'd  never  circumvent. 

Soon  as  he  mark'd  the  gathering  of  the  foe, 
It  caus'd'a  richness  through  his  heart  to  flow  ; 
A  martial  kindling  in  his  bosom  came, 
And  touch'd  each  word  as  with  a  seraph's  flame  : 

"  Behold  invasion  darkening  on  the  sight  ! 
Say,  feel  ye  not  no  thrilling  of  delight  ? 
My  young  companions,  harness'd  new  in  arms, 
Does  not  the  prospect  to  your  souls  bring  charms  ?    500 
Yes — I  behold  a  language  in  your  eye, 
That  proves  what  inward  is  your  ecstacy  ! 

"  Let  each  with  holy  breath  invoke  his  fair, 
To  nerve  his  arm  for  something  that  is  rare  ; 


176  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XVI. 

By  them  inspir'd,  our  enemies  must  die, 
And  clothe  our  names  with  immortality  ! 

"  What  though  like  swarming  they  invade  the  ground. 
And  hem  our  walls  with  multitudes  around, 
Raise  but  the  soul  to  admiration  high,— 
Let  thousands  come,  we  stand  for  Liberty  !"  510 

Warm,  like  the  kindling  of  a  meteor  spark, 
Breaking  the  solidness  of  midnight  dark, 
The  flame  of  Croghan  enter'd  to  the  soul, 
And  forth  they  answer'd  :  "  Thunders,  let  them  roll — 
Yea,  let  the  foe  spout  cataracts  of  fire 
And  flood  the  fort — with  life  we'll  ne'er  retire  !*' 

What  time  this  pass'd,  the  legions  of  the  Crown 
Impatient  gaz'd  to  see  the  Eagle  down. 
Dixon's  grim  host  stood  sharpening  up  their  knives. 
Ready  to  scalp  and  massacre  their  lives.  520 

Saliva  druling  from  their  jaws  was  seen, 
While  hunger  gnaw'd  upon  their  stomachs  keen, 
To  eat  the  heart  of  Croghan — tear  his  flesh, 
And  drink  his  warm  blood  at  the  fountain  fresh. 

Proctor  at  length,  with  vehemence  of  look, 
To  Chambers,  Elliot,  his  impatience  spoke  : 

"  What,  dare  they  think  resistance  to  our  will  ! 
Forth  shall  the  savage  have  command  to  kill ! 
Chambers  and  Elliot,  warn  him  of  his  fate  ; 
At  setting  sun  to  yield  will  be  too  late  !  550 

Worse  than  at  Raisin  will  I  be  his  death  ; 
By  small  degrees,  I'll  fry  away  his  breath  !" 

They  in  their  silence,  his  instructions  heard  ; 
Fix'd  is  the  flag  of  peace  on  Chambers'  sword  ; 


SANDUSKY.  177 

With  martial  steppings  to  the  fort  they  hied, 
With  all  the  pomp  that  royalty  supplied. 

Proctor  breath'd  poison  in  the  Prophet's  ear  ; 
He  bade  him  sly  to  hover  on  their  rear, 
And  seize  upon  the  warrior  sent  from  fort, 
And  break  the  truce,  and  then  begin  the  sport.         540 

Croghan  with  strict  observance  soon  beheld 
The  truce  approach.     To  Ship  the  hero  wheel'd, 
Who  scarce  had  summers  seen  twice  five  and  seven, 
But  all  his  youth  was  to  his  country  given  : 

"  Brother  in  arms  !  behold,  their  flag  arrives  ; 
Go,  meet  it  on  the  field  : — they  seek  our  lives ; 
Let  thy  bold  answer  enter  to  the  soul  ; 
When  all  are  slain  the  fort's  at  their  control." 

Ship,  without  answer,  touch'd  with  beauty's  glow, 
Advanc'd  to  meet  the  parley  of  the  foe.  550 

The  perfect  symmetry  of  every  limb, 
Seem'd  to  impart  a  buoyancy  to  swim  ; 
Quick  round  his  eye  an  infant  lightning  ran, 
Which  show'd  the  promise  of  the  future  man. 

Chambers,  important,  met  the  blushing  boy, 
And  labour'd  thus  his  virtue  to  decoy  : 

"  Knowing  the  rashness  of  unguarded  youth, 
Proctor,  our  general,  noted  for  his  truth, 
Hath  sent  this  flag  to  warn  you  of  your  fate, 
Ere  that  his  arms  your  lives  annihilate  !  560 

"  Look  round  !  behold  the  royal  standards  dread  ! 
Observe  the  savages  to  strike  you  dead  ! 
Mark,  how  they  brandish  in  the  air  their  knives  ! 
Go — and  with  prayers,  surrender  up  your  lives  !" 


178  PREDONIAD.      CANTO   Xvt. 

Ship  paus'd — his  breast  was  full  :  "  He  knows  our 

youth — 

We  also  know  this  mighty  man  of  truth, 
And  render  him  our  thanks,  to  grant  us  word, 
That  we  with  prayer  surrender  up  our  sword  : 
But  please  you  whisper  in  his  gracious  ear, 
No  prayers  from  us,  repentant  will  he  hear  ;  570 

We  pray  to  none,  save  Him  who  dwells  on  high — 
The  Centre  Point  of  immortality  ; 
Yon  Eagle  from  her  height  will  ne'er  retire, 
Till  her  defenders  in  their  blood  expire  !" 

He  spoke  with  searching  eye,  and  wheel'd  to  march  : 
"  Tarry,  fair  youth," — thus  serpent  Elliot  arch  : 

u  Never  my  tongue  a  flattering  speech  declar'd — 
'Tis  poison  to  my  soul — with  hell  compar'd  ; — 
But,  to  behold  thee  in  thy  peerless  bloom, 
Devoted  to  endure  a  savage  doom,  580 

Gives  to  my  heart  a  sympathy  of  grief, 
Beyond  my  power  to  offer  you  relief ; 
That  rose  upon  thy  cheek  will  pale  like  snow  ; 
The  blood  in  thy  young  heart  will  cease  to  flow  j 
That  eye,  that  swims  in  firmamental  blue, 
Irons,  tipt  with  fire,  will  lingering  pierce  it  through  ; 
These  locks,  that  thy  fair  lineaments  adorn, 
Will  from  thy  skull  by  gory  hands  be  torn. 

"  Come  to  my  bosom — shelter  you  with  me, 
And  I  to  you  a  guardianship  will  be  ;  590 

Come — be  ennobled  with  Britannia's  power  ! 

And  royal  honours — wealth  " 

"  Poison  no  more  ! 

No  more  I'll  hear  the  serpent  of  thy  tongue — 
Suppress  the  note — a  croaking  raven  song  ! 


SANDUSKY.  179 

"  Come  to  thy  bosom  !  bosom,  that  retains 
The  crimes,  the  blackest  of  infernal  stains  ! 
Come  to  thy  bosom  !  royal  honours  ! — What  1 
A  bosom  nursing  vipers — hell  begot  ! 

"  Never  you  flatter'd  with  an  oily  word  ! 
And  is  it  poison,  to  your  soul  abhorr'd  ?  600 

Think  then,  I  urge  thee,  where  wilt  thou  be  cast, 
When  Death  shall  call  thee  to  expire  thy  last  ? 
Does  not  thy  soul  with  frightful  murder  start, 
When  thou  call'st  back  the  memory  of  Hart  ? 
Does  not  his  spirit  trouble  thee  at  night, 
And  walking  dead  men  terrify  thy  sight  ? 

"  And  canst  thou  hear  without  a  blush  his  name  ? 
It  proves  thy  baseness  link'd  to  damning  fame  ! 

"  Good  heaven  !  suppress  the  rising  of  my  soul  ; 
My  crowded  heart  is  breaking  from  control  !  610 

His  martyr'd  blood  will  nerve  our  arms  with  power  ! 
Advance  to  yonder  mound,  and   death  shall  thee 
devour  !" 

Like  muster'd  thunders,  when  they  wrathful  break. 
Causing  the  battlements  of  heaven  to  shake, 
Link'd  round  with  chains  of  fire  ;  such  was  the  peal 
From  Freedom's  youth,  which  made  the  Britons  feel; 
Such  was  the  flash  that  lighten'd  from  his  eye, 
Which  burnt  upon  their  hearts  like  agony. 

Ship  purpos'd  to  return — but  Prophet  sly, 
Crouch' d  from  his  hiding, — as  his  sword  swung  by  620 
Caught  at  the  scabbard  ! — Ship,  without  a  word, 
Turn'd  short,  and  as  he  wheel'd  he  bar'd  his  sword. 
The  savage  drew  his  axe  ! — burning  they  stood 
With  weapons  in  the  act  to  taste  of  blood  ! 


180  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XVI. 

But  as  they*  felt  the  impulse  of  the  hand 
To  smite  the  other  bleeding  on  the  sand, 
Chambers  beheld,  and  rush'd  himself  between, 
And  check'd  the  Indian  with  reproving  mein. 

Thus  Gabriel,  Satan,  on  the  walls  of  Eden, 
Stood  fix'd  in  wrath — their  dreadful  powers  even  ;  630 
Satan  dilated,  horrid  for  the  fight, 
And  Gabriel  strengthen'd  with  eternal  might  ; 
But  lo,  in  heaven,  the  parting  scales  were  seen  : 
Satan  retir'd — a  cloud  upon  his  mein. 

Ship  smother'd  up  his  blade,  and  wheeling  short, 
With  steps  of  honour,  enter'd  in  the  fort, 
And  stated  the  result — show'd  Elliot's  art 
At  first  to  frighten,  then  subdue  his  heart. 

Blank'd  stood  the  heralds  with  confusion's  eye 
To  be  defeated  in  their  embassy  ;  640 

Their  conscience  struggled  to  suppress  the  truth  ; 
Their  deep  designs  outmaster'd  by  a  youth. 

Back  to  the  camp  of  Proctor  they  recede, 
And  state  in  whispers  what  the  boy  had  said. 

"  Dare  they  resistance  1 — send  me  such  report  1 
Quick  let  the  brass  dash  ruin  on  the  fort  ! 
Deep  charge  the  mortars — set  fire  to  the  air 
With  hissing  bombs,  to  desolate  them  there. 
Soon  mercy  will  they  plead  with  prayerful  cry — 
But  prayers  I  answer  with  mortality  !  650 

Yea — will  I  make  my  threatening  promise  good  ; 
I'll  make  a  warm  bath  of  their  smoking  blood  ! 

*    The  weapons. 


SANDUSKT.  181 

"  Away,  and  burn  the  element  with  flame  ; 
An  hour  hence,  not  one  shall  have  a  name  !'? 

The  mortars  burst  with  fire  —  the  shells  rebound—* 
The  heavy  guns  in  unison  resound. 
But  Croghan  stands  unchang'd  —  outlooks  the  blast, 
Which  rolls  above  him  the  sublime  and  vast. 

Thus,  when  a  youth,  on  Avon,  Shakspeare  stood 
To  gaze  at  nature  in  her  wildest  mood,  660 

For  now  the  clouds  were  mustering  in  the  north 
To  pour  a  deluge  in  tornado  forth  ; 
Their  broken  savageness  attract  his  sight, 
Rolling  in  darkness,  mixing  day  with  night  ; 
Dread  through  the  firmament,  glance  lightning  fires  — 
New  thunders  peal,  ere  half  the  flash  expires  — 
The  poet's  mind  takes  wing  upon  the  storm, 
And  riots  awful  in  the  dark  deform.  • 

So  Croghan  stands  and  glories  in  the  scene, 
His  young  companions  firm  in  discipline.  670 


At  length  the  veil  of  night  the  foe  conceals, 
And  Proctor  to  his  chiefs  his  pain  reveals  : 

"  And  do  they  foil  us  ?  —  never  will  they  yield  ? 
What,  without  answer,  do  they  dare  the  field  ? 
Verily  they  stand  —  defy  our  best  ! 
They  heed  us  not  —  but  seem  with  slumber  press'd 
Nothing  of  brass  upon  our  lines  they  turn  ; 
No  —  nor  a  sparkle  has  been  seen  to  burn. 
In  different  manner  we'll  our  strength  exert  ; 
We'll  bulwarks  raise  to  batter  down  the  fort. 
Chambers,  the  guns  upon  the  river  flame, 
While  Short  and  Gordon  will  the  batteries  frame  ; 
16    VOL.  ir. 


182  FREDONIAD.      CANTO    XVI. 

That  when  the  day  shall  open  in  the  east, 

We'll  break  their  walls,  and  let  the  savage  feast." 

Chambers  and  Elliot  to  the  boats  repair, 
And  hurl  the  bombs  like  wild  things  through  the  air  ; 
Th'  intrenchers  follow  the  command  of  Short 
And  Gordon,  to  sweep  desolate  the  fort. 
The  labour  smokes  by  fresh  unwearied  men, 
The  spaders  rear  where  mattockers  had  been  ;        690 
Through  embrasures  the  cannon  frowns  severe, 
Early  at  day  to  shake  the  hemisphere. 

Meanwhile  round  Croghan  stood  his  little  group 
Of  officers,  determin'd  ne'er  to  stoop 
A  joint  to  kneeling,  save  to  smiting  death, 
While  they  should  draw  the  breathing  of  a  breath. 
Meaks,  Hunter,  Johnson,  Butler,  Anthony, 
Met  to  consult — their  warriors  outwardly 
Stood  in  a  circle  to  attend  their  word, 
When  they  in  plans  defensive  should  accord.          700 

Hunter  to  Croghan  :  "  Shall  we  touch  the  fire, 
And  cause  these  fighting-barges  to  retire  ? 
See,  they  more  daring  in  their  progress  grow  ; 
Small  by  degrees  upon  the  fort  they  row. 
Our  globes  would  strike  and  shiver  many  a  boat, 
And  cause  its  ruins  with  the  stream  to  float." 

The  youth  his  judgment  show'd  :  "  Thy  words  are 

just, 

That  we  full  many  in  the  stream  could  thrust'; 
But  oft  it  happens,  for  temporary  gain, 
We  lose  the  cause  our  efforts  would  attain.  710 

Now,  should  we  open  on  their  barge  with  fire, 
We  soon  indeed  would  force  them  to  retire  ; 


SANDUSKY.  163 

But  mark,  their  bombs  in  wandering  circles  fly  ; 
They  break  beyond  us — scattering  through  the  sky  ; 
Now,  should  we  them  more  distantly  remove, 
They  might  more  dangerous  to  our  safety  prove. 

"  Besides,  if  we  no  opposition  show, 
In  time  'twill  make  more  venturesome  the  foe, 
And  foil  him  from  his  guard, — the  moment  then, 
We'll  let  him  know  how  soon  that  boys  are  men,  720 

"  Johnson,  your  files  will  occupy  the  north  ; 
Hunter,  the  south, — to  meet  their  coming  forth  ; 
Butler  and  Anthony,  the  east  and  west  ; 
Meaks,  hold  the  brass.     Through  night,  by  parts 

we'll  rest ; 

The  cannon's  voice  will  rouse  us  with  alarms, 
Should  they  in  darkness  make  th'  attempt  by  arms." 

Martial,  yet  modest,  he  proclaim'd  the  word, 
And  each  fulfill'd  it — lock'd  in  one  accord  ; 
The  sentries  watch  with  jealousy  of  soul,  729 

While  o'er  their  heads  the  meteorous  bombshells  roll. 

At  length,  the  waning  Moon  with  silver  horn 
Shines  on  her  hill, — precurser  of  the  dawn  ; 
Venus,  her  daughter,  slow  behind  her  moves 
With  bashful  footsteps  o'er  the  mountain  groves  ; 
As  nature  beautiful,  as  heaven  divine, 
Like  holy  things,  with  loveliness  they  shine  ; 
They  catch  the  soul's  devotion  as  they  rise, 
While  just  below,  gray  twilight  streaks  the  skies. 

As  darkness  vanisheth,  the  works  are  seen, 
At  which  the  Albions  had  at  labour  been.  740 


184  FREDONfAD.       CANTO    XVI. 

Croghan  breaks  forth  :  "  Behold,  they've  chang'd 

their  site  ! 

The  river  is  at  peace — on  land  they  fight  ! 
How  violent  they  dash  the  fire  severe  ! 
And  let  them  dash  it — none  regards  it  here  ! 
Void  of  effect  they  magnify  the  flame — 
Soon  they'll  exhaust,  like  madness  when  it's  tame. 

"  See  how  the  balls  that  strike  us  on  the  north, 
Lie  in  their  slumber,  bedded  in  the  earth  ! 
The  strife,  as  yet,  our  efforts  would  debase  ; 
But  'twould  the  nation's  character  disgrace,  750 

Without  a  gun  to  let  them  home  return  ; 
If  nothing  more,  salute  from  us  shall  burn. 

"  The  Stars,  with  brilliance  in  their  orbits,  shine 
Full  in  the  breeze,  like  something  that's  divine  ; 
The  Eagle  points  her  arrows — flaps  her  wing, 
To  hear  the  thunder-voice  of  Britain  ring, 
1  feel  strange  rapture  stirring  in  my  breast, 
That  never  yet  by  language  was  express'd  ; 
Stand  pillar'd  to  the  earth  !     The  coming  even,     759 
My  mind  forebodes  we'll  send  their  souls  to  heaven  ! 
Be  nothing  daunted — take  substantial  life 
To  give  your  valour  energy  in  strife  ; 
Man  cannot  live  upon  the  mind — but  food 
Must  give  his  body  nourishment  of  blood." 

He  touch'd  their  youthful  hearts,  like  touch  of  fire, 
Which  gave  their  souls  a  newness  of  desire  ; 
Unmov'd,  they  seated  and  their  hunger  stay'd, 
And  every  purpose  of  his  will  obey'd, 
While  bent  on  death  the  Albions  cannonade. 


SANDUSKY. 


185 


Proctor  discover'd  his  exertions  vain  ; 
And  while  a  madness  swell'd  upon  his  brain, 
His  tongue  broke  forth  :  "  Will  thunder  not  remove- 
Nothing  reduce  yon  Eagle  from  above  ? 

"  At  angle  of  the  north  the  cannon  bend  ; 
There  breach  the  fort,  and  cause  it  to  descend. 
No  more  the  time  with  useless  toil  consume, 
But  plunge  with  steel  and  strike  them  to  the  tomb." 

He  said.     And  presently  his  will  was  done — 
True  at  the  angle  bent  was  every  gun  ; 
As  hail,  descending  from  a  spring-time  cloud,          780 
Beats  on  the  earth  to  kill  its  tender  bud, 
So  thick  the  globes  from  royal  engines  burst 
To  breach  the  fort  and  level  it  to  dust, — 
And  smite  the  youths  that  hold  it  in  their  trust, 

Croghan  soon  scann'd  the  motive  of  the  foe — 
To  breach  and  enter  to  his  overthrow  : 

"  Warriors  !  behold  their  purposes  are  plain  ! 
Strengthen  the  angle — make  their  efforts  vain  ! 
Johnson,  Anthony,  with  rapid  hand, 
Defy  a  breach  with  canisters  of  sand.  *  790 

Shipp,  Hunter,  Dunkin,  the  full  store  bring  forth, 
And  form  a  double  fencement  on  the  north  ; 
They  now  design  with  steel  our  hearts  to  pierce — 
Their  former  warfare  total  to  reverse. 
And  let  them  come,  like  waves  of  tempest  sea, 
We'll  meet  them  here,  and  meet  them  smilingly  I 

"  In  northern  bastion,  Meaks,  the  cannon  place, 
And  keep  it  darken'd  from  the  royal  race  ; 
Six  practis'd  warriors  to  assist  thee  take, 
And  cautious  level,  through  the  trench  to  rake.      800 
16*   VOL.  ii. 


186  FREDONIAD.      CANTO    XVI. 

Crowd  but  half  weight  of  death-dust  in  its  womb, 
To  spread  in  its  explosion,  general  doom  ; 
But  to  the  full,  load  canister  and  ball, 
That  when  it  opens,  ranks  on  ranks  may  fall." 

Presently  the  whole  commence  the  toil — 
And  soon  th'  intentions  of  the  foe  they  foil, 
Meaks  crowds  the  brass  as  Croghan  gave  in  charge, 
With  grape  and  canister,  both  small  and  large, 
Then  scatters  leaves,  as  thoughtless,  yet  with  care, 
That  none  might  notice  what  of  death  was  there.  810 

Now  they  at  signal  to  their  places  hie 
To  watch  the  movements  of  the  enemy. 

Thus,  when  a  fowler,  having  set  his  snare 
To  trap  a  flock  of  wild  doves  in  the  air, 
Retires  in  silence  to  his  secret  blind, 
To  ken  their  motions  as  they  ride  the  wind  ; 
And  restless  counts  the  time  to  see  them  come 
To  spring  the  net  that  folds  them  in  their  doom  : 

With  like  impatience  the  young  heroes  wait 
To  mark  the  foe  to  rush  upon  his  fate.  820 

While  thus  the  forted — Proctor  with  his  glass 
Observ'd  a  breach  effected  by  his  brass, 
For  lo,  a  blemish  on  his  pupil  gray, 
Threw  a  beam  broken  on  the  retina, 
Which,  in  the  brain,  produc'd  a  motion  there, 
As  though  the  angle  had  been  swept  in  air  ; 
Glad  at  his  heart — stepping  with  lofty  port, 
Proud  he  began  to  Dixon  and  to  Short  : 

"  The  fort  is  ours  !     They  soon  shall  be  in  tears — 
The  whole  in  ruins  to  my  sight  appears  !  830 


SANDUSKY.  187 

"  Short,  through  the  breach  with  thy  battalions  on  ! 
Regard  you  not  the  bursting  of  a  gun  ; 
Had  they  exploding  brass,  the  globes  to  throw, 
Its  jaws  would  stream  the  battle-fire  ere  now  ; 
Heed  not  the  flashing  of  the  rifles  small — 
Strike — ere  the  sparkle  scorches  to  the  ball. 

"  Round  to  the  south,  thy  wild-men,  Dixon,  wheel, 
And,  Gordon,  thy  command.     With  bayonet  steel, 
Silent  advance,  till  opposite  the  rear, 
Then  raise  the  death-yell  to  excite  their  fear  ;        840 
This  will  allure  them  from  the  breach  away, 
Till  Short  shall  enter  and  decide  the  day." 

His  officers  comply  with  hellish  zeal, 
And  all  the  savageness  of  Proctor  feel  ; 
Dixon,  with  scarce  an  attribute  of  man, 
Proceeds,  contriving  blood,  to  head  his  clan. 
The  eye  of  Short  burnt  with  the  rage  of  sin, 
Which  show'd  the  workings  of  his  heart   within  ; 
He  join'd  his  squadrons  with  a  daemon's  tread, 
Unsparing  murder  brewing  in  his  head.  850 

Meantime  the  monajch  of  the  realms  of  night, 
From  Valparaiso,  and  from  Queenstown  Height, 
Return'd  to  Hampshire's  mountain,  press'd  with  care, 
Caus'd  by  the  troubles  which  beset  him  there. 

Beneath  a  ledge  of  hanging  rocks  he  sits, 
Showing  his  feeling  by  his  brow  that  knits. 
His  subjects  rise  to  pay  him  homage  due — 
While  in  this  attitude,  an  Agent  flew 
And  stood  before  the  throne  !     A  moment  past, 
He  walk'd  with  Proctor,  as  the  engines  cast  860 


138  PREDONIAD.      CANTO  XVI. 

The  globes  against  the  angle  of  the  fort ; 
He  comes  in  haste- — the  tidings  to  report  : 

"Dread  monarch  ! — Proctor,  thy  half  mortal  son, 
At  fort  of  Meigs  was  partially  undone  ; 
In  spite   of  all  my  art,  a  mad  sortie 
Drove  him  disaster'd  o'er  the  inland  sea  ; 
But  lo,  Tecumseh  with  his  banded  power, 
Subdu'd  an  army  on  the  adverse  shore. 

"  Now  at  Sandusky  are  a  chosen  host  ; 
Royals  and  savages — Britannia's  boast,  870 

Striving  the  angle  of  the  fort  to  breach, 
That  they  with  steel  may  its  defenders  reach  ; 
A  beardless  boy  commands,  hence  nothing  doubt, 
But  Proctor  soon  will  raise  triumphant  shout." 

The  Fiend  was  silent  with  unalter'd  eye, 
Pausing  his  words — At  length,  he  deign'd   reply  : 

"  Triumphant  shout ! — No — never  will  it  be, 
So  fix'd  they  stand  in  battle  desperately  ; 
Hadst  thou  the  action  seen,  which  late  they  fought, 
Not  thou,  nor  hell,  would  call  their  valour  naught ;  880 
Though  Britain  seems  to  weigh  their  courage  light, 
Her  ships  had  sunk,  had  We  withheld  Our  might  ; 
The  Essex,  made  half  ship-wreck  by  a  blast, 
Had  conquer'd  two  of  a  superior  cast. 

«  Yes — and  of  late  upon  the  Queenstown  Height, 
They'd  won  the  field — but  Discord  plann'd  aright — 

Fredonia  there 

"  But  why  with  words  delay  1 
The  time  admits  not  of  a  moment's  stay  ; 
'Twould  like  a  palsy  all  Our  hopes  destroy, 
Should  Proctor  now  be  routed  by  a  boy.  890 


SANDUSKY.  189 

"  Revenge,  away — th'  infernal  caldron  fire, 
Fashion  a  cloud  and  in  its  folds  retire, 
And  with  it  wrap  the  fort, — and  blind  their  sight, 
That  Proctor  may  advance  and  gain  the  fight  ! 

"  But  stay — no  agency  will  now  suffice  ; 
Too,  too  momentous  is  the  enterprise  ; 
Ourself  will  go — but  you,  the  cloud  may  form, 
Equal  in  darkness  to  a  midnight  storm." 

The  agent  heard — and,  waiting  no  reply, 
To  its  fulfilment  parted  instantly.  900 

Beneath  a  jutting  ledge  the  caldron  stands, 
Fashion'd  in  rudeness  by  infernal  hands, 
Far  in  the  west  of  hell — from  thence  brought  forth, 
When  with  his  train  the  Daemon  rose  to  earth. 
Compos'd  its  substance  is,  of  fire-proof  stone — 
Ten  furies  bore  it  up  with  many  a  groan, 
Causing  their  iron  joints  to  sweat  and  ache, 
Fill'd  to  its  brim  with  burnings  of  the  lake. 

Revenge  approach'd — surcharg'd  with  hellish  ire, 
And  gnash'd  his  teeth — from  which  the  seeds  of  fire  910 
Leap'd  to  the  lava  with  attractive  power, 
Like  the  quick  lightning  to  the  midnight  shower, 
Or  like  the  dust,  that  kindles  mortal  strife, 
Draws  from  the  flint  to  strike  it  into  life. 

The  lava  feels  the  particles  of  fire — 
A  thousand  flashes  at  the  touch  aspire, 
Black  as  the  flames  that  feed  upon  a  ghost, 
Suffering  for  hell-crimes, — once  his  secret  boast  : 
And  such  the  virtue  of  the  lighted  mass, 
It  burns  for  ages,  ever  what  it  was  !  920 


190  FREDONIAD.      CANTO    XVI. 

A  cloud  of  solid  darkness  passes  forth. 
And  veils  in  horror  the  black  mountain  north  ; 
For  murder'd  blood,  the  druling  panthers  prowl — 
At  passing  shadows  pale  the  wild  wolves  howl  ; 
As  mad  the  lava  boiling  tosses  high, 
Nests  of  live  lightnings  from  the  cauldron  fly, 
Which,  winding  upward,  leap  along  the  cloud, 
Whilst  muttering  thunders  groan,  and  earthquakes 
rumble  loud. 

Now  as  th'  Infernal  by  the  caldron  stands, 
A  lightning  flame  he  seizes  in  his  hands  ;  930 

Slow  he  descends  upon  the  coffin  blast, 
Griping  the  serpent  fire  with  sinew  fast  ! 
As  round  his  form  terrifical  it  plays, 
His  gore-stain'd  locks  are  kindled  to  a  blaze. 

So  when  a  meteor  shooting  in  a  line, 
Touches  a  hill,  o'erspread  with  unctuous  pine, 
Which  soon  inflames  the  wilderness  sublime  ; 
Brands  dashing  upward,  kindle  as  they  climb  ; 
In  whirling  eddies  round  the  flames  are  drove  ; 
Earth  melts  beneath — heaven  languishes  above.        940 

Like  this,  his  burning  locks,  still  unconsum'd, 
Whilst  Death  all  dreadful  on  his  breast  sits  plum'd. 

As  savage  Dixon  led  his  scalpers  round, 
He  gain'd  a  distant  prospect  of  the  ground  ; 
To  keep  the  serpent-fire  conceal'd  from  view, 
He  to  himself  its  horrid  fashion  drew. 

He  op'd  his  mouth,  like  yawning  of  a  cave, 
Where  murder'd  travellers  find  their  bloody  grave  : 
Soon  from  his  throat  a  lonely  spark  appear'd, 
And  forth  another  his  hot  breathing  rear'd  ;  950 


SANDUSKY.  191 

Others  in  fiery  troops  succeeding  came, 

Till  mouth  and  nostrils  pour'd  continued  flame. 

So  when  rough  iron  is  in  furnace  cast 
To  be  reduc'd  to  fluid  by  the  blast ; 
Scarce  seen,  at  first,  the  bellows  stir  the  fire, 
But  every  breath  augments  its  burning  higher  ; 
A  cloud  of  nimble  smoke — then,  sparkles  rise, 
A  flickering  flame  starts  up — as  sudden  dies  ; 
It  lives  again — it  falls — again  revives, 
But  soon  unbroken  o'er  the  furnace  drives.  960 

Thus  from  the  throat  of  the  infernal  sire, 
At  first,  at  intervals,  flash'd  sparks  of  fire  ; 
But  soon  augmented  to  a  burning  vast, 
Like  that  excited  by  the  furnace  blast. 

Urg'd  by  attraction,  lo.  the  lightning  sta}rs 
Its  maddening  flash — and  mild  in  circles  plays  ; 
Around  his  neck,  and  round,  it  winds  and  winds, 
As  when  a  snake  a  sleeping  reaper  binds. 

At  length,  wound  up — the  Fiend  devoid  of  pain, 
Uncoils  the  fiery  links  of  lightning  chain  ;  970 

Then  to  a  ball  he  rolls  it  in  his  hand, 
And  forth  devours  it,  as  a  morsel  bland. 

This  done — upon  the  fort  he  drops  the  cloud, 
Which  blinds  the  whole  as  with  a  covering  shroud, 
So  deep  that  Croghan  marks  not  Dixon's  race 
Moving  unheard,  to  cause  his  life  to  cease  ; 
Nor  can  his  eye  discern  the  files  of  Short, 
Ready  at  Dixon's  yell  to  rush  the  fort. 

His  purpose  thus  achiev'd  he  leaves  the  sky, 
And  mixes  careless  with  the  enemy.  980 


192  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XVI. 

The  time  that  Dixon  led  his  fiends  around 
To  invade  the  southern  angle  of  the  mound, 
Short  to  his  legions  thus  :  "  Soon  shall  we  hear 
The  sign  to  rush  to  give  them  to  the  spear  ; 
This  sudden  darkness  favours  our  design. 
For  not  an  eye  can  pierce  our  moving  line  ; 
Press  to  the  mark,  and  drive  the  work  of  death — 
Transfix  vitality — plunge  souls  beneath. 

t{  But  curb  must  we,  till  Dixon  passes  round 
South  of  the  fort,  and  gives  the  signal  sound  ; 
Then  it  is  ours  the  parapet  to  leap, 
And  strike  their  bosoms  with  the  bayonet  deep. 

"  The  darkness  fades  !     The  shouting  has  begun  ! 
Charge,  warriors  !  charge  ! — with  pointed  steel,  charge 
on  !" 

His  column  heard  the  order.     Thirsting  for  blood, 
They  rush'd  in  arms,  with  sound  like  torrent  flood. 

The  youths,  in  breathless  silence,  stood  prepar'd 
The  every  bastion  of  the  fort  to  guard, 
Defying  all  surprise,  though  compass'd  round 
With  mist  impervious — yet  they  catch  the  sound     1000 
Of  every  breathing  breath  with  ready  ear  ; 
But  scarce  a  whisper  travels  through  the  sphere  ; 
The  foe  was  cautious,  that  no  sound  should  break. 
The  least  suspicion  in  their  minds  to  wake. 

But  what  is  hearing,  feeling,  smelling,  taste, 
To  sight,  which  spreads  creation  like  a  feast ! 
This  sense  shut  out,  the  others  are  a  dream  ; 
Scarce  are  they  worth  a  momentary  gleam, 
Which  to  the  soul  quick  passes  through  the  eye, 
Holding  sweet  converse  with  the  Deity.  1010 . 


SANDUSKV.  193 

Of  sight  depriv'd — at  length  their  spirits  droop  ; 
The  Stars  look  dim,  the  Eagle  seems  to  stoop  ; 
Croghan,  who  never  felt  a  chill  before, 
Now  feels  it  icy  to  his  inmost  core  ; 
He  breathes  the  anguish  of  his  soul  to  heaven  : 

"  O  Thou  !  from  whom  the  quickening  light  is 


given 


Scatter  this  cloud,  which  blinds  the  holy  sun  ; 
Give  us  but  light,  and  let  our  life  be  done  !" 

Swift  it  descended  on  the  wing  of  thought — 
Brief  was  this  answer  to  the  Goddess  brought:          1020 

"  Accepted  is  his  prayer  !"     From  Deity 
A  seraph  bore  it,  wing'd  on  ecstacy. 

Fredonia  drank  the  musick  on  her  car, 
And  forth  descended  to  the  scene  of  war — 
Th'  infernal  cloud  contracted  as  she  came, 
Before  her  breath  it  vanish'd  like  a  flame  ! 

Lo,  as  the  savage  crouching  were  conceal'd, 
Ready  to  spring — their  purpose  was  reveal'd  ! 

Hunter  the  moment  with  a  prospect  good, 
With  many  a  death-wound  drove  them  to  the  wood. 

As  when  Virginians  travelling  to  the  west 
To  till  the  bosom  of  Kentucky,  blest 
With  fattening  life — at  night  beside  a  spring          1039 
Pitch  their  abode,  till  morn's  bright  star  should  bring 
The  promise  of  a  day.     The  moon  is  dark, 
And  veil'd  in  heaven  is  every  jewel  spark  ; 
Thus  favour'd,  lo,  a  band  of  ruffians  sly, 
Compass  their  lines  with  evil  in  their  eye, 

17      VOL.    II. 


194  PREDONIAD.      CANTO   XVI. 

To  seize  the  booty,  and  their  flight  make  good 

By  flying  to  the  darkness  of  the  wood  ;  1040 

While  in  this  hope,  their  bosoms  beating  proud, 

Behold,  the  moon  between  a  parted  cloud 

Shines  broad  in  heaven, — revealing  their  disguise 

In  open  prospect  to  the  travellers'  eyes, 

Who  boldly  seize  upon  their  arms  at  hand, 

And  drive  the  felons  bleeding  from  the  land. 

So  Hunter,  when  unknown,  celestial  breath 
Scattered  the  cloud,  which  dropp'd  the  dew  of  death, 
Blaz'd  at  the  crouching  enemy  a  stream,  1049 

Which  rous'd  them  gory  from  their  tranceful  dream  ; 
With  death  scream  many  from  their  posture  sprung, 
And  never  more  was  heard  their  savage  tongue. 

The  rushing  columns  in  command  of  Short, 
Dampen,  and  scatter  by  the  same  report  ; 
But  to  their  fears  he  bends  an  eye  that  flames — 
And  thus  upbraiding,  wrathfully  exclaims  : 

"  What  has  made  dry  the  fountain  of  your  blood  t 
Are  ye  not  royal  1     Is  your  strength  subdu'd  ? 
Death  shall  the  coward  seize  !     Each  fear  begone   ! 
A  solid  movement,  and  the  strife  is  done  !"  1060 

As  clouds  are  gather'd  by  the  voice  of  storm, 
So  at  his  threat'ning  the  battalions  form, 
Casting  a  stern  defiance  at  the  walls, 
Regardless  of  the  nest  of  sleeping  balls  : 

"  Let  scowling  darkness  muffle  up  each  brow  ! 
Prepare  to  strike  a  massacreing  blow  ! 


SANDUSKY.  lyo 

Riot  in  blood  !     Let  saint,  nor  angel  live  ! 
No  term  of  mercy  to  the  kneeling  give  !"* 

At  the  hell  mandate,  all  his  form  grew  dark, 
Straining  his  features  with  infernal  mark,  1070 

Like  to  a  culprit  strangled  by  the  cord, 
Bursting  his  eyeballs  with  a  look  abhorr'd. 

Foaming,  a  tyger,  to  the  trench  he  strode 
Muttering,  the  youths  to  smother  them  in  blood  ; 
His  squadrons  press  revengeful  on  his  rear, 
Not  dreaming  death,  that  stares  upon  them  near. 

The  meantime  Croghan  waited  with  desire  ; 
Watching  their  movements  with  an  eye  of  fire. 
Soon  fills  the  trench  with  the  progressing  crowd, 
Like  the  deep  swarming  of  an  insect  cloud  ;  1080 

To  Meaks  he  gives  the  token  with  his  sword  ; 
At  once,  the  warrior  comprehends  the  word, 
And  whirls  the  linstock  to  excite  the  fire, 
Which  as  it  kindles  seems  a  blazing  spire  ; 
When  in  full  glow,  to  where  the  priming  lies, 
He  brings  it  down  with  nice  discerning  eyes, 
His  bosom  throbbing  with  anxieties. 
The  sulphur'd  dust  the  instant  shows  its  strife  ; 
The  starting  cannon  thunders  into  life  ! 
Recharg'd  with  rapidness,  it  flames  again  ;  1090 

Again — again — it  magnifies  the  slain, 
While  Johnson's  band,  with  levell'd  weapons,  pour 
A  vollied  stream,  which  bathes  their  breasts  in  gore. 
The  searching  balls  the  enemy  pursue, 
And  many  a  beating  of  a  heart  subdue  ; 

*  "  Damn  the  yankees  !  give  them  no  quarters  !" — Short. 


196  FREDONIAD.       CANTO    XVI. 

Those  that  have  life,  limp  awkward  o'er  the  plain, 
Sprinkling  their  staggering  path  with  gory  stain. 

At  length  they  shelter  in  their  bulwarks  strong, 
And  War  in  silence  muffles  up  his  tongue ; 
The  fort  defenders  charge  the  brass  the  same,       1100 
The  prime  place  ready  to  receive  the  flame. 
Shipp,  Hunter,  Johnson,  Butler,  Anthony, 
Form  in  a  solid  for  the  enemy, 
Should  they  but  dare  to  move  upon  them  more, 
To  cause  a  tide  of  blood  to  wash  the  shore. 

Soon,  by  the  influence   of  the  unseen  Power, 
The  Britons  rise,  regardless  of  the  shower 
That  pour'd  a  fiery  besom  at  their  life, 
Which  drain'd  the  hearts  of  hundreds  in  the  strife. 
Gordon,  by  Proctor's  mandate  rules  the  whole,     1110 
For  Short  was  now  resigning  up  his  soul. 

Gordon,  this  speech  declar'd  :  "  With  royal  port, 
Solid  in  wedge,  we  enter  in  the  fort  ! 
What  !  and  shall  boys  our  energies  resist  ? 
No  :  proudly  on,  and  make  them  give  like  mist. 
Reveal  the  untam'd  Lion  in  his  rage  ; 
Let  sword  and  steel  lean  forward  to  engage  ; 
The  brow  hard  wrinkle,  and  tight  cramp  the  breath — 
Slaughter,—  consume, — annihilate  in  death,"         1119 

As  deep  with  heavy  tread  they  beat  the  ground, 
Their  labouring  feet  like  distant  thunders  sound, 
Clouds  of  black  dust  in  whirling  eddies  rise, 
Eclipse  their  bayonets,  and  obscure  the  skies  1 
Like  ocean  heav'd  in  waves  they  roll  their  force, 
Or  mad  streams  bursting  from  their  rocky  source  ; 


SANDUSKY.  197 

They  crowd  the  trenchment — press  the  recent  dead, 
Mangling  their  bodies  with  a  slippery  tread. 

Lo  Croghan  waves  his  falchion  as  before  ! 
The  cannon  answers  with  redoubling  roar  ! 
The  burning  rifles  follow  swift  behind  ;  1130 

A  scream  of  death  comes  riding  on  the  wind  ! 
The  tubes  of  fire,  quick-charg'd,  repeat  the  flame  ; 
From  quivering  hearts  blood  gushes  in  a  stream  ! 
A  remnant  fly  bewilder'd  with  despair, 
While  numbers  fall  and  breathe  their  lives  out  there. 

And  now,  the  Fiend  beheld  the  moment   his, 

Or  the  boy  triumphs  o'er  his  enemies. 

He  calls  the  globe  within  him  to  aspire  ; 

Lo  !  forth  it  comes,  and  quickens  into  fire  ;  1139 

With  matchless  strength,  save  that  of  heavenly  might, 

He  hurls  it  from  his  hand,  the  fort  to  smite  ; 

He  casts  no  eye  behind  him  as  it  flew, 

For,  lo,  Fredonia  visible  he  knew  ! 

Forth,  when  the  lightning  ball  forsook  his  hand, 

It  spread  like  thousand  vipers  o'er  the  sand, 

Hissing  with  tongues  of  fire.     This  no  eye  saw, 

Save  her's,  who  rode  sublime  upon  her  car  ; 

But  she,  its  flaming  violence  beheld, 

And  interpos'd  the  virtue  of  her  shield  ; 

The  serpent  lightnings  wound  in  torment  there,     1150 

And  then,  like  smoke,  dissolv'd  away  in  air. 

During  the  panick,  Proctor  on  the  rear 
Stood  in  his  trembling,  exercis'd  by  fear. 
17*    VOL.  n. 


198  FREDON1AD.       CANTO    XVI. 

Perchance,  a  rifle  glancing  by  his  head  ; 
He  fell,  and  gasp'd,  as  number'd  with  the  dead  ; 
His  quivering  flesh  with  damps  of  death  grew  pale  ; 
His  pulse  faint-fluttering,  show'd  his  being  frail. 

Elliot  and  Dixon  saw  him  in  his  fall, 
And  hurrying,  rais'd  and  bore  him  to  his  yawl, 
While  the  young  patriots  made  the  cannon  roar,  1060 
Sweeping,  at  times,  whole  ranks  upon  the  shore. 
With  deathful  look,  glaring  from  mind  to  mind, 
Glad  with  their  life,  they  left  their  all  behind, 
Leap'd  to  their  barges — snatch'd  the  ready  oar, 
And  skim'd  the  waters  crimson'd  with  their  gore. 

Their  fainted  general,  (slaughter'd,  as  was  thought,) 
Now  gasp'd  to  taste  the  air  ! — convuls'd  effort — 
Elliot  affrighted,  with  astonish'd  air, 
Started — a  horror  lifting  every  hair  ; 
His  knees  relax'd,  against  the  other  knock 'd,          1170 
When  Proctor  thus  his  foaming  jaws  unlock'd  : 

"  What  visages  are  these  that  stand  apart, 
Showing  their  wounds  ]     I  never  slew  thee,  Hart  ! 
'Twas  Elliot  promis'd  to  convey  thce  o'er — 
Not  me — Cawataw  from  thy  bosom  tore 
Thy  rooted  heart.     What,  ghost  of  Hickman,  too  ! 
I  sent  a  guard — what  more  that  I  could  do  ? 
MacCracken,  Woolfork — why  do  you  appear  ? 
Never  you  I  saw — Elliot,  he  was  near, 
Aiding  the  massacre  !     What  scalps  }rou  hold        1180 
Dropping  fresh  blood  !     Strange  answer  :  British  gold. 
If  gold  hath  murder  done,  why  visit  me  ? 
I  never  scalp'd  the  head  of  enemy. 


SANDUSKT.  199 

"  Whence  issue  forth  these  flames  !     And  must 

I  go 

With  these  black  ministers  to  endless  wo  1 
Is  this  the  gulf  of  Tartarus  ?     This  blast 
From  out  of  hell  ?     And  here,  must  I  be  cast  ! 
Alas,  my  guilt  !     O  that  my  hands  were  pure  ! 
This  rack,  this  rack  !  my  heart  can  ne'er  endure  !'' 

Here  broke  his  dreaming  tongue  in  wildest  roar, 
So  much  like  hell,  each  bargeman  dropp'd  his  oar  ; 
The  surgeon,  thinking  that  his  brain  was  harm'd,  1192 
Open'd  his  temple  vein,  and  soon  his  wildness  calm'd. 

When  Croghan  saw  the  enemy  retire, 
To  aid  the  wounded  fill'd  his  whole  desire. 
That  soul,  which  kindled  when  the  tempest  grew, 
Was  soft  as  woman,  when  the  storm  withdrew. 
The  cry  for  water  pierc'd  him  to  the  heart  : 

"  Haste,  my  young  friends,  the  blessing  to  impart  ; 
With  cooling  drops  their  burning  pangs  assuage  ;  1200 
Relieve  with  mercy,  and  forget  their  rage." 

The  youths  with  pity  melting  in  their  eye, 
With  streams  of  life  their  enemy  supply  ; 
They   bind  their  wounds,  which  keen   with  anguish 

burn — 
For  schemes  of  murder  blessings  they  return  ! 

Croghan  spied  Short  upon  the  verge  of  death, 
Panting  and  struggling  for  a  gasp  of  breath  ; 
His  heart,  the  moment,  yearn'd  to  give  him  aid  ; 
Soft  he  approach'd — and,  with  his  left  hand  laid 
Beneath  his  head, — supported,  wash'd  his  brow,     1210 
And  then  the  draught  presented  to  his  foe  ! 


200  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XVI. 

Short  drank  the  fountain — then,  slow  turn'd  his  eye, 
And  saw  the  youth,  his  generous  enemy  ; 
His  soul  quick  melted  with  its  passion  dumb, 
And  the  small  nutter  of  his  heart  o'ercome  ; 
For  lo,  the  draught  had  half  his  nerves  restrung  ; 
And  partial  gave  a  motion  to  his  tongue  ; 
But  Croghan's  kindness  took  his  strength  away  ; 
He  spoke  one  tear — but  nothing  more  could  say  ; 
For  now,  remote  from  Proctor  and  his  clan,         1220 
The  dying  Briton  felt  himself  a  man. 

His  passions  having  ebb'd,  small  power  returns — , 
Dim  with  its  light  his  lamp  of  being  burns  : 
His  tongue  found  utterance  :  "  Let — O  let  me  go 
To  find  my  home — the  gulf  that  yawns  below  ! 

0  what  a  list  before  my  sight  will  rise 
To  fix  my  soul  in  penal  miseries  ! 

"  Canst  thou,  fair  youth,  forgive  the  crimes  I  have, 
And  soothe  my  soul  whilst  hovering  o'er  the  grave  ? 
Thou  canst  !     I  read  it  hi  thy  brimming  eye  ;       1230 
But  wo  is  me  ! — how  miserable  I  die  ! 
My  heart  was  bent  to  mar  thy  youthful  bloom. 
And  shroud  thine  angel  virtues  in  the  tomb  ! 
But  O,  repentance  from  that  heart  receive  ; 

1  can  no  more — 'tis  all  I  have  to  give  ; 
Grant  my  request  to  press  thee  by  the  hand, 
Ere  my  soul  travels  that  unheard-of  land." 

Croghan,  his  hand  reach' d  forth,  which  thrice  he 

press'd 
Soft  to  his  lips,  then  laid  it  on  his  breast  :  1240 

"  In  peace  I  now  retire — Fare — fare  thee  well  ; 
I  visit  regions  that  no  tongue  can  tell  !" 


SANDUSKY.  201 

Croghan  sustain'd  him,  pillow'd  on  his  breast, 
And  sooth'd  his  spirit,  as  it  sunk  to  rest ! 

So  bright  in  heaven  the  godlike  deed  appears, 
Angels  beheld  it  with  their  eyes  in  tears. 

Fredonia  comes,  and  from  her  rainbow'd  car 
Proclaims  her  son  to  every  listening  star  : 

"  Brighten  your  beams,  ye  Sun,  and  Planets  seven  ! 
And  cast  new  brilliance  through  the  crystal  heaven  ; 
Or  Croghan's  name  your  virtues  will  excel  ; 
Yea  :  with  its  light  your  golden  orbits  veil  ; 
The  peopled  heaven  with  rapture  leave  the  sky 
To  gaze  with  wonder  on  mortality  !"  1253 


CANTO  XVII 


PERRY'S  VICTORY. 


ARGUMENT. 

Tecumseh  retreats  from   Fort  Meigs.... Elliot's  Night  Expedition.... 

Perry  sails  from  Black  Rock.... Having  discovered  the  enemy, 

he   retires    to    Put-in-bay.. ..The    sailing   of  the    British. ...The 

Battle. 
The  scene  is  laid  at  Fort  Meigs,  Black  Rock,  and  on  different  parts 

of  Lake  Erie. ...The  book  ends  three  days  after  Croghan's  defence 

of  Fort  Sandusky. 


FREDONIAD. 


CANTO  XVII. 

MEANWHILE  Tecumseh,  Proctor  to  support, 
Tax'd  his  invention  to  deceive  the  fort ; 
Battles  contriving  with  superior  skill 
To  draw  the-patriot  army  from  the  hill ; 
But  well  the  heroes  his  intentions  scann'd, 
Andrender'd  vain  what  he  with  judgment  plann'd. 

Now  as  the  sun  descends  the  western  deep, 
Soft  on  the  mountain  tops,  like  Love  in  sleep, 
His  last  rays  linger.     Soon  night's  virgin  queen, 
Touch'd  with  a  bashful  modesty  is  seen,  10 

Fair,  brightening  in  mid  heaven.     Like  a  coy  maid, 
At  times  she  veils  her  beauty  in  a  shade  ; 
At  times,  from  curling  mist,  her  cheek  she  shows, 
And  on  the  gazing  Sun  a  love-glance  throws, 
Which  he,  enraptur'd,  catches  from  her  eye, 
And  back  returns  it,  burnishing  the  sky. 
His  notice  fills  her  bosom  with  delight  ; 
To  grace  her  form  more  pleasing  to  his  sight, 
She  calls  the  Stars  :  forth,  at  her  voice  serene, 
They  come  with  dancing  o'er  the  mighty  scene  ;         2O 

18      VOL.    II. 


206  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XVII. 

Adorn  her  snowy  bosom,  and  bedeck 
With  starry  chain  the  beauty  of  her  neck. 

These  gems  ethereal  elevate  her  charms, 
And  all  her  lover  into  transport  warms  ; 
He  sends  a  kiss,  in  which  his  soul  is  given 
Sweeter  than  manna  from  the  hand  of  heaven, 
To  touch  her  dewy  lips,  and  silent  tell, 
How  with  her  loveliness  his  affections  thrill. 

Smooth  it  glides  forth  upon  a  cloud  of  light, 
Like  that  which  wraps  a  messenger  of  night,  30 

Sent  to  attend  the  sainted  of  the  earth, 
And  bear  to  heaven  their  aspirations  forth. 

It  weds  her  rose-bud  lips  !     A  bashful  glow 
Runs  through  her  heart,  and  blushes  on  her  brow  ; 
She  turns  with  languishment  her  cheek  aside, 
Like  the  delicious  passion  of  a  bride  ; 
But  lo,  the  kissing  cloud  dissolv'd  away, 
Her  smile  of  love  makes  heaven  and  earth  look  gay. 

When  Chambers  saw  the  regal  effort  lost, 
He,  calm  in  mind,  the  rest  a  panick  host,  40 

Ponder'd  the  state  in  which  Tecumseh  stood  ; 
Void  of  support  and  barr'dby  Erie's  flood. 

Scarce  the  thought  reach'd  him,  when  he  leap'd 

his  horse, 

And  as  the  moon  was  smiling  in  her  course, 
He  found  Tecumseh  in  his  depth  of  mind, 
Searching  for  plans  his  enemy  to  blind  : 

"  Tecumseh,  break  thy  musing  !     Lo,  I  come, 
Pressed  with  defeat,  to  speak  to  thee  of  home  ! 
Our  promis'd  triumph  is  a  field  of  blood  ! 
Yea,  all  our  prospects  are  in  widowhood  !  50 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  207 

My  soul  reluctant  manifests  the  truth — 
We've  been  disaster'd  by  a  beardless  youth  ! 
Mine  eyes  saw  Proctor  like  a  dead  man  fall — 
Dixon  and  Elliot  bore  him  to  his  yawl. 

"  There's  nothing  royal  to  sustain  you  here — 
And  all  Kentucky  is  in  progress  near  ! 
Johnson,  a  chief  with  terror  in  his  name, 
Hath  pass'd  with  mounted  arms  Ohio's  stream ; 
And  Perry  now  is  practising  to  sail  ; 
Alas,  should  Barclay  in  the  action  fail  !  60 

But  never  can  I  think  that  grief  will  be. 
No  more — but  backward  for  thy  safety  flee." 

Tecumseh  darkening  stood.     His  jutting  brow 
Gather'd  a  frown,  while  passion's  fiery  glow 
Flash'd  from  his  eye.     He  look'd  an  ancient  tower, 
When  clouds  and  moonlight  mix  the  solemn  hour  ; 
Which  prov'd  the  workings  of  his  soul  within 
His  bosom,  smothering  sighs.     At  length  his  words 

begin  : 

"  Defeated  !     Proctor  dead  !     What,  can  a  boy, 
A  sapling  youth,  the  forest  oak  destroy  ?  70 

"  Our  hope,  Tekelah,  is  a  cloud  of  night ; 
A  bud  scarce  blossom'd  puts  us  to  the  flight  ! 
Proctor,  me  dig  his  heart — his  blood  you  drain — 
Why  talk  of  him — already  is  he  slain. 

"  We  now,  with  Reynolds,  will  new  death  prepare — 
Tecumseh  yet  feels  nothing  of  despair." 

A  savage  silence  through  the  wild-men  reigns  ; 
They  feel  as  ice  were  curdling  in  their  veins  ; 
Still  as  a  morning  mist  they  leave  the  shore, 
And  dead  with  heavy  motion  labouring  swing  the  oar.  80 


208  FBEDONIAD.      CANTO  XVII. 

A  thrill  of  gladness  the  Columbians  felt, 
When  they  beheld  the  savage  darkness  melt. 
Their  joy  was  like  a  hunter  seeking  game 
On  Deer-Grove  Island  in  Ohio's  stream  ; 
But  while  the  stag  he  eagerly  pursu'd, 
Rains,  pouring  from  the  mountains,  swell'd  the  flood, 
And  sunk  his  skiff!     He  came  and  found  his  bark 
Lost  in  the  stream — and  all  his  hopes  were  dark  ; 
Th'  augmenting  waves  still  magnify  his  dread, 
That  soon  they'd  rise  and  o'er  the  Island  spread  !     90 
At  length,  when  three  long  tedious  days  were  past, 
While  the  clear  moon  her  silver  image  cast 
Deep  in  the  flooding  mirror,  lo,  his  eye 
Perceiv'd  the  waters  were  receding  by, 
Smooth  creeping  down  the  beach,  sand  after  sand, 
Which  make  the  feelings  of  his  heart  expand  ; 
Soon  by  its  hawser  fast,  his  light  skiff  show'd, 
And  through  his  breast  a  rushing  gladness  flow'd. 

Such  was  the  patriots'  joy,  when,  like  a  stream, 
Their  foes  retir'd  beneath  the  lunar  beam.  10G 

But  Shelby,  sage  with  years  :  "  Wisdom  sedate 
Forbids  th'  affections  sudden  to  elate  ; 
First,  learn  the  cause,  before  our  passions  rise, 
Or  it  might  lure  us  to  a  sacrifice  ; 
Perhaps,  they've  only  an  excursion  made, 
T'  entice,  and  lead  us  to  an  ambuscade  ; 
Tecumseh  knows  the  circle  of  his  art; 
A  thinking  head — an  executing  heart." 

His  prudent  council  calm'd  their  hasty  joy —         109 
But  who  approaches  1     Shipp,  the  smooth-cheek  boy  ! 
Him  Croghan  sent  to  manifest  the  news, 
And  learn  what  future  were  the  general's  views  : 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  209 

u  We've  met  the  savage  and  the  royal  powers, 
And  fought  the  fight,  and  victory  is  ours  !" 

As  when  a  man,  that  never  musick  heard 
Of  human  voice,  or  happy  spring-time  bird, 
His  hearing  organs  clos'd — forever  deaf, 
Though  far  he'd  travell'd  to  obtain  relief ; 
At  length  a  physick  in  his  art  is  found, 
Who  bores  the  ear-drum  and  lets  in  the  sound  ;        120 
The  deaf  man  dances  with  his  soul  made  young, 
To  hear  the  speaking  musick  of  the  tongue. 

So  when  the  youth  proclaim'd  the  triumph  o'er, 
Lo,  each  forgot  he'd  ever  heard  before  ! 

They  stood  in  wonder — then,  their  banners  round 
They  wav'd,  and  fill'd  the  arch  of  heaven  with  sound  ; 
At  signal  given,  the  shouting  joy  was  done, 
And  Shipp,  proceeding  with  a  blush,  begun  : 

"  No  crimson  drop  from  Freedom's  veins  was  shed — 
We  stood  reserv'd  as  you  instructing  said  ;  130 

But  when  we  open'd,  hundreds  felt  the  blow, 
And  sunk  like  harvest  by  the  scythe  brought  low  ; 
They  drove  a  second  charge, — result  the  same  ; 
There  lives  were  gone,  like  feathers  in  a  flame  ; 
Short  pour'd  his  blood — then  Gordon  press'd  the  field — 
And  rumour  circulates  that  Proctor's  kill'd  ; 
Those  that  had  breath,  in  panick  fled  the  shore, 
And,  for  their  safety,  bent  upon  the  oar. 

"  As  the  foe  scatter'd,  like  a  hound-chac'd  flock, 
Claxton  the  fortress  enter'd  from  the  Rock  ;  140 

The  ships  of  Perry  are  in  battle  trim, 
At  the  first  breeze  upon  the  lake  to  swim  ; 
This  he  desires, — that  you  will  here  maintain 
Your  flag,  till  he  shall  death  or  vict'ry  gain. 

18*     VOL.  II. 


210  FRKDONIAD.      CANTO    XVH. 

"  I  took  his  message — bade  him  to  return, 
To  reach  the  fort,  while  heaven  with  stars  should  burn. 

"  Croghan  awaits  your  orders  to  remain, 
Or  hitherward  to  lead  his  gallant  train.'' 

"  Inform  the  youth  to  wave  his  standard  here, 
Whose  name  endures  until  the  final  year  150 

Shall  end  the  sum  of  things,  and  bring  to  view 
The  day  that  fashions  the  creation  new  ! 

"  Warriors  !  I  mark  impatience  in  your  glance — 
But  wisdom  bends,  as  bends  the  circumstance. 
Johnson  approaches  with  his  mounted  horse  ; 
Barry  and  Crittenden  to  give  us  force. 

"  Now,  as  the  conflict  on  the  lake  shall  bear, 
So  different  motives  will  demand  our  care, 
Offensive  or  defensive.     Mark  the  word — 
Till  Perry  sinks  or  swims,  we  sheathe  the  sword."     160 

Shipp  brief  returns.     To  post  the  forted  hie, 
To  wait  whose  standard  gains  the  victory. 

When  Hull's  defeat,  like  pestilence,  transpir'd, 
Perry,  t'  accomplish  what  his  soul  desir'd, 
A  navy  plann'd  to  navigate  the  lake, 
Th'  imperious  boastings  of  the  foe  to  break. 

Long  had  the  oaks,  like  ancient  patriots,  bent 
Their  leafy  honours  to  the  element, 
To  be  constructed  to  elance  the  flame 
Of  battle-thunder  to  the  British  name.  170 

Rude  in  their  place  the  future  ships  commenced. 
While  Perry  equal  every  part  dispens'd 
To  different  craftsmen,  as  their  knowledge  held — 
Some  in  the  rough — some,  finishing  excell'd. 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  211 

He  gave  a  quickening  impulse  to  their  toil 
By  winning  words  and  approbating  smile. 

So  when,  in  June,  young  bees   commence  their  hive, 
With  emulative  diligence  alive, 
They  press  their  curious  work  :  Part  in  the  vale 
Gather  the  wax  to  build  the  citadel  ;  180 

These  freight  their  little  thighs,  and  homeward  hie 
To  ease  their  burdens  for  a  fresh  supply  ; 
Part  temper  down  the  unctuous  mortar  bland, 
And  form  it  ready  to  another's  hand, 
Who  moulds  the  waxen  cells  with  searchless  art  ; 
Smoothing  with  honied  tongue  each  rugged  part  ; 
Ambitious  each  the  other  to  excel, 
The  queen  encouraging  the  doers  well  : 

So,  like  the  bees,  they  labour'd  on  the  fleet, 
Warm'd  with  the  fire  of  emulative  heat  ;  190 

Beneath  their  hands  the  ships  like  fiction  rose, 
As  though  impatient  with  the  foe  to  close. 

Now,  as  at  evening  they  remit  their  toil, 
They  on  the  lake  descry  a  royal  sail, 
Which,  as  the  sun  withdraws  his  farewell  beam, 
Cast  with  a  splash  their  anchors  in  the  stream  ; 
Beneath  the  guns  of  Erie's  fort  they  ride, 
Their  flags  light  waving,  imaged  in  the  tide  ; 
Laden  with  battle-axes — swords  and  pikes, 
And  furs  collected  from  the  upper  lakes,  200 

And  other  implements  of  war  from  York, 
The  place  of  arms — transported  for  the  work. 

The  larger  vessel,  anchor'd  next  the  shore, 
Was  Adams  nam'd — once  Freedom's  flag  she  bore  ; 


212  PREDONIAD.      CANTO  XVII. 

But  since  the  period  Hull  to  Brock  resigned, 
The  Cross  has  floated  o'er  her  sails  of  wind. 

The  second  bears  the  Caledonian  name, 
That  virtue  had  to  wake  the  Scots  to  fame, 
When  Bruce  and  Wallace  on  her  mountains  stood, 
And  stain'd  her  rivers  with  the  English  blood  ;       210 
But  now  she  crouches  'neath  the  Lion's  main — 
Kissing  the  links  of  her  enslaving  chain  ! 

Instant  the  patriots,  gazing  from  their  shores, 
Beheld  the  vessels  anchor'd  with  their  stores, 
A  daring  impulse  quicken'd  in  their  blood 
To  sally  forth  and  seize  them  on  the  flood. 

The  breast  of  Elliot  felt  the  warmest  glow — 
Second  to  Perry  to  defy  the  foe. 
The  State  of  Mary  gave  the  seaman  birth, 
Whose  yellow  wheat  is  gold  upon  the  earth  ;          220 
Here  grew  the  mariner.     Now  for  the  cause 
Of  brothers  slave-impress'ld  his  sword  he  draws. 

While  each  beheld  them  with  desiring  eyes, 
He  thus  to  Perry  touch'd  the  enterprise  : 

"  I  crave  thy  counsel,  whether  to  proceed — 
I  feel  inclin'd  to  grapple  for  the  deed  ; 
At  the  twelfth  watch  the  moon  descends  the  west, 
Then  will  it  be  to  strike  them  in  their  rest." 

Perry  was  brief  in  answer  :  "Well  I  know 
Thy  heart  is  valour's  empire — Strike  the  blow  !"  230 

Sustain'd  by  Perry  thus — he  forth  aloud 
Proclaim'd  his  purpose  to  th'  expecting  crowd  : 

"  Ye  gazing  patriots  !  who  of  you  will  dare 
To  venture  forth  and  seize  yon  vessels  there  ? 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  213 

Ere  harbinger  of  day  in  heaven  shall  shine, 
They  to  the  Star  of  Freedom  shall  resign  ; 
Who  can  behold  the  Cross  in  triumph  ride 
On  yonder  Adams,  and  not  feel  a  pride 
Burn  in  his  breast  to  snatch  her  from  the  foe, 
And  place  the  Eagle  on  the  Lion's  brow  1" 

Both  land  and  water-men  at   once  arise 
And  claim  the  dangers  to  effect  the  prize  ; 
Towson,  ere  long  to  rank  in  honour  high, 
By  casting  death  from  his  artillery  ; 
Brooks,  young  as  Croghan,  fair  as  spring-day  morn — 
But  soon  his  beauty  must  to  heaven  return  ; 
Turner,   and    Curamings,  Watts,   and    Chambers, 

Roach, 
And  Cuyler,  Baker,  for  their  fame  approach. 

Two  passions  vacillate  in  Elliot's  eye — 
Joy  for  their  valour — but  to  pass  it  by  250 

In  hearts  that  beat  with  longing  to  receive, 
E'en  a  brief  fraction — makes  his  heart  to  grieve — 
Yet,  like  the  spots  that  on  the  sun  appear, 
It  shows  the  brightness  of  his  soul  more  clear  : 

"  Your  spirit  is  a  fire  !     Yet  pain  and  joy 
Mix  in  my  heart  :    your  pressing  for  employ 
Is  gladness  to  my  soul.     But  all  I  ask, 
Are  but  twice  fifty  to  perform  the  task, 
Hence,  a  denial  numbers  must  receive, 
And  this  the   cause  that  makes  my  heart  to  grieve  : 
'Tis  fame  to  will  the  deed :  Two  barges  all  26l 

To  be  requir'd  to  make  the  vessels  fall. 

'*  By  lots  must  I  this  nobleness  decide  ; 
Equal  between  the  land  and  fleet  divide," 


214  FREDONfAD.       CANTO    XVII. 

With  ready  pen  he  number'd — cast  the  lots — 
The  prize  the  richest  was  receiv'd  by  Watts — 
Towson  the  second  number.     Roach  the  next — 
Cummings  the  fourth — and  soon  the  whole  were  fix'd. 

Few  were  the  orders  Elliot  gave  his  band  : 
"  Watts,  you'll  conduct  the  fifty  of  the  land  ;          270 
And  Towson,  you,  his  daring  will  promote  ; 
Roach,  Cummings,  you'll  with  me.      'Tis  time  we 

float  ; 

The  star  of  evening  has  retir'd  to  rest, 
And  the  bent  moon  is  sinking  in  the  west." 

Scarce  died  the  echo  of  the  welcome  sound, 
When  each  divided  band  with  nimble  bound 
Leap'd  in  the  barges.     Baldricks  held  secure 
Pistol  and  dagger-blade — death's  furniture, 
The  former  prim'd  and  ready  with  the  ball 
To  cause  the  life  of  enemy  to  fall  ;  280 

And  bristling  pikes  cast  icy  from  each  yawl 
A  gleam,  that  struck  severe  upon  the  eye, 
To  fill  the  mind  with  mortal  tragedy  ; 
For  yet  a  moon  beam,  wandering  o'er  the  night, 
Lit  on  the  steel,  thence  glanc'd  upon  the  sight. 

No  whisper  heard,  with  muffled  blades  they  sweep, 
Like  passing  shades,  the  bosom  of  the  deep. 

Now  half  the  raven  wing  of  night  has  flown — 
The  horned  moon,  that  hitherto  had  shone, 
Dips  her  bright  edge  of  silver  in  the  deep,  290 

Whilst  busy  life  is  hush'd  away  in  sleep  ; 
A  midnight  mist  ascending  dims  each  star, 
As  smooth  they  seek  the  drowsy  ships  afar. 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  215 

By  the  shrill  watch-guard  speaking,  "  all  things 

well," 

Their  distance  bordering  on  the  foe  they  tell  ; 
And  Elliot  whispers  Watts  :  "  Slacken  the  oar  ! 
List — by  the  echo  we  approach  the  shore  ; 
Behold  them  press'd  with  slumber  on  the  deep  ; 
'Tis  yours  upon  the  Scottish  name  to  leap, 
While  simultaneous  on  the  Adams  near  300 

We  strike,  and  force  submission  with  the  spear  ; 
When  barr'd  the  crew,  divide  the  cable  short, 
And  urge  the  sails  to  bear  you  from  the  fort. 

"  Now  let  each  arm  put  forth  its  sinewy  might, 
And  dash  the  barges  !     Valour  crowns  the  night  !'* 

The  rowers  caught  the  mandate  from  his  tongue, 
And  with  bold  impulse, — heart  and  sinews  strong, — 
Drove  the  yawls  swift  though  silently  along. 

The  sentries,  reckless  of  the  danger  nigh, 
Retain  their  post,  as  formal  policy  ;  310 

But,  lo,  as  safety  echo'd  from  their  tongue, 
The  patriots  sudden  on  the  vessels  sprung, 

And  broke  their  fatal  trance  ! 

Thus  on  the  deep 

Two  sluggish  whales  were  anchor'd  in  their  sleep, 
When  sword-fish,  passing  at  a  distance  by, 
Beheld,  and  rous'd  their  ancient  enmity  ; 
In  two  divisions  equal  they  divide, 
And  smooth  approach  them  cautious  through  the  tide  ; 
To  plan,  they  rest  a  moment  on  the  fin, 
Then,  with  a  dart,  they  thrust  their  weapons  in  ;     320 
The  whales  awaken  with  their  sides  in  blood  ; 
Surpris'd,  they  groan — their  energies  subdu'd. 


216  PREDONIAD.       CANTO    XVII. 

So  the  first  notice  to  the  ships  asleep 
Of  hostile  boarders  gliding  through  the  deep, 
Was  their  life's  crimson  mixing  in  the  wave, 
Which  to  their  nerves  a  trembling  palsy  gave. 

But  soon  the  Albions,  rous'd  from  their  alarms, 
Rush  in  their  strength,  repelling  arms  with  arms  ; 
Through  Cummings'  better  foot  a  bayonet  gleams, 
And  other  patriots  pour  their  blood  in  streams.      330 

At  length  the  foremost  of  the  royals  fail — 
The  rest,  full  soon,  in  their  submission  quail  ; 
The  brave  part  cables — sheet  the  top-sails  home — 
The  waves  divided,  round  the  vessels  foam. 

Watts  o'er  the  lake  with  Caledonia  glides, 
And  all  th'  exertions  of  the  foe  derides, 
For  now,  the  forted  enemy  alarm'd, 
Strove  to  regain  their  valu'd  ships  disarm'd  : 
But  Adams,  deeper  keel'd,  more  water  drank, 
By  which  she  grounded  near  the  Albion  bank  !       340 
The  victors  felt  their  swelling  hearts  give  back, 
To  think  their  prize  must  crumble  to.  a  wreck. 

Tims  a  keen  hawk  with  water-piercing  eye, 
While  sailing  on  the  bosom  of  the  sky, 
In  the  Potomack,  kens  the  finny  brood, 
Reckless  of  danger,  sporting  in  the  flood  ; 
Behold,  a  pike,  possess'd  of  equal  strength, 
Attempts  the  bird  to  shoot  his  wing  at  length  ; 
He  drops  with  open  claws — fastens  his  prey, 
And  partial  bears  it  to   the  shore  away  ;  350 

But  at  the  bank,  with  alders  stooping  o'er, 
In  vain  he  flaps  his  sinew'd  wings  to  soar  : 

So  when  the  keel  stood  fasten'd  in  the  sand, 
Hope  vanish'd  from  the  bosom  of  the  band 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  217 

To  keep  the  prize.     And  instant  of  the  broach, 
Elliot  with  hurried  speech  instructed  Roach  : 

"  Loosen  the  pinnace  ! — bear  the  captives  o'er, 
And  see  them  landed  on  the  nearest  shore  ; 
Dash,  on  return,  the  waters  into  spray 
To  float  the  richest  of  the  spoils  away  ;  360 

The  barges  from  the  Rock  must  give  us  aid — 
The  hour  is  dark — but  scorn  to  be  dismay'd." 

The  boat  was  ready  ere  the  closing  word 
Rapid  was  given.     The  Britons  pass'd  on  board 
The  restless  yawl, — which  forth  with  spirit  flew, 
And  made  the  cove  where  Watts  his  ship  hove  to  ; 
Hurrying  he  lands  the  captives  on  the  shore, 
And  swift  returns  with  all  that  bear  an  oar. 

While  this  was  done,  the  Albions  in  retort, 
Levell'd  their  massive  engines  from  the  fort  ;  370 

Whose  nimble  flashes  scorch'd  the  veil  of  night, 
But  soon  the  valiant  darted  back  the  light  : 

"Return  them  blaze  for  blaze  !"  Elliot  exclaim'd, 
Let  every  hero  show  himself  inflam'd  ; 
Let  cannon  burst — let  bombs  in  chorus  rise — 
Till  the  last  pulse-beat  vindicate  the  prize  !" 

The  ships'  deep  thunders  to  the  fort  reply, 
Which  mix  and  roll  terrifick  through  the  sky  ; 
Bombs  with  red  circles  from  tho  lake  are  driven, 
Like  mad  stars  shooting  o'er  the  face  of  heaven  ;    380 
Th'  explosion  deafens  as  the  globes  rebound, 
And  many  a  life  falls  broken  at  a  sound. 

A  bolt  with  hissing  from  the  fortress  came, 
And  took  from  Cuyler  all  his  future  fame  ; 
19    VOL.  ii. 


218  FREDONIAD.       CANTO  XVII. 

For  many  a  field  he  proudly  would  have  sought, 
And  with  the  bravest  of  the  valiant  fought ; 
Like  a  young  cedar  by  the  lake  he  grew, 
And  naught  but  wood-land  innocence  he  knew. 

His  father  told  him  of  the  battle  day, 
When  royals  fled — their  ranks  in  disarray  ;  390 

Then,  with  a  sigh,  he'd  mention  Mercer's  name, 
And  Warrenrs  death,  his  country  to  redeem  ; 
But  at  the  time,  delicious  would  appear 
A  smile,  that  seenrd  like  sporting  with  his  tear. 

This  warm'd  the  tender  bosom  of  his  son  : 
Made  his  check  kindle,  and  his  blood  to  run ; 
And  when  the  war-note  from  the  ocean  came, 
For  British  tyrannies  to  Freedom's  name, 
He  took  the  weapon  which  his  father  held, 
And  sought  the  foremost  dangers  of  the  field.  400 

The  cruel  bolt  unsparing  broke  his  side, 
Unstrung  his  heart,  and  hurl'd  him  in  the  tide. 

Others  lie  bleeding  with  unsightly  wounds, 
While  fort  and  ship  repeat  incessant  rounds. 

At  length  the  dust  that  quickens  into  life, 
Becomes  exhausted  in  th'  exhausting  strife  ; 
But  at  this  juncture,  darting  from  the  cove, 
The  boats  arrive  the  valiant  to  remove  ; 
Watts,  Towson,  Baker,  Brooks,  had  join'd  with 

Roach  ; 
Elliot  gives  order  as  their  yawls  approach  :  410 

"  Let  every  hero  presently  retire — 
Spent  is  the  magazine — no  gun  can  fire — 
At  your  departure  I  the  ship  shall  burn, 
Then,  in  the  skiff,  I'll  hasten  my  return." 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  219 

Thus  he.     Roach  answer'd  :  "  Never  will  I  go, 
And  leave  you  single  in  this  night  of  wo." 

"  No  time  for  etiquette.     Our  means  are  spent  ; 
Two  to  assist  us  will  be  competent." 

By  this,  with  treasures  were  the  barges  stow'd, 
And  back  to  harbour  by  the  crew  were  row'd.         420 

Meantime  with  toil,  the  unsubmitting  four 
Apply  the  mortar — reeking  every  pore. 
As  the  last  shell  with  double  blast  expires, 
They  touch  the  vessel  with  consuming  fires, 
And  Elliot  last  on  board  the  skiff  retires. 

The  flame  instinctive  streaks  the  unctuous  seams, 
Swift  as  the  boreal  night-fire,  when  it  streams  ; 
Around  th'  aspiring  mast  the  flashes  curl, 
And  shoot  above  them  with  a  flickering  whirl  ; 
The  blazing  cinders  through  the  void  are  driven  ;  430 
The  stars  seem  darken'd  on  their  thrones  in  heaven  ; 
The  scowling  night  shrinks  backward  to  the  pole, 
And  leaves  a  horror  that  astounds  the  soul. 

As  when  a  murky  cloud  in  midnight  drear, 
Comes  with  grim  aspect  from  the  northern  sphere, 
Pregnant  to  bursting  with  the  embryo  storms, 
Whilst  round  its  skirts,  on  meteors,  ride  the  forms 
Of  spirits  burst  their  graves  !     Its  thunders  break 
In  peals,  that  cause  the  mountain  beds  to  shake, 
While  lightnings,  brewing  on  its  dungeon  breast,    440 
Fill  with  strange  fire  the  regions  of  the  west. 
So  on  the  eddying  winds  the  flames  arise, 
And,  wild  with  fury,  kindle  to  the  skies. 


220  PREDON1AD.       CANTO   XVII. 

The  ship  consum'd,  they  yield  themselves  to  sleep. 
Ready  at  day  to  launch  into  the  deep 
Their  maiden  navy  with  its  sails  in  trim, 
On  the  clear  bosom  of  the  lake  to  swim. 

At  dawn's  first  glimmer  streaking  o'er  the  skies, 
The  naval  heroes  from  their  slumberings  rise  ; 
'Twas  the  same  morning  of  the  signal  day,  450 

That  Croghan  swept  his  enemies  away, 
They  launch  their  ships,  completed  at  the  Rock, 
Whose  beauteous  forms  all  other  vessels  mock  ; 
Like  young  swans  buoyant  on  the  wave  they  swim, 
With  streamers  dress'd  like  brides  in  marriage  trim. 

Beyond  the  harbour,  they  at  evening  move, 
And  patient  rest  within  a  sheltering  cove, 
Till  Perry's  voice  like  musick  in  the  gale, 
Shall  speak  to  weigh  and  spread  the  willing  sail.     459 

Bright  in  the  east,  where  yonder  mountains  loom, 
Morning  comes  blushing  in  her  virgin  bloom, 
Veil'd  in  a  cloud  of  gold  :  her  eyes  divine 
In  every  pearl-drop  with  love  glances  shine  ; 
The  liquid  diamonds,  quivering  with  delight, 
In  mimick  rainbows  render  back  the  light  ; 
The  flowers  full-bosom'd,  bath'd  in  holy  dew, 
Breathe  a  pure  incense,  like  creation  new. 

Perry  proclaims  the  navy  to  unmoor  : 
44  Loosen  the  anchors,  and  forsake  the  shore  ! 
The  morning. calls  us  with  a  bright'ning  glow  470 

To  seek  and  offer  battle  to  the  foe  ; 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  221 

The  time  is  now,  by  daring  enterprise, 
The  lake  of  Erie  to  immortalize. 
But  words  are  vanity — to  act  is  brave  ; 
When  lock'd  in  fight  to  smile  upon  the  grave  ! 

"  The  zephyrs  whisper  from  the  gate  of  heaven  ! 
Let  the  full  canvass  to  their  breaths  be  given." 

The  mariners  obey'd  his  flowing  tongue  ; 
Part  at  the  capstans  their  sea-musick  sung, 
The  hawsers  tightening  with  the  labouring  song,     480 
Turning  the  anchors  by  their  efforts  strong, 
Slow  heaving  from  the  beds  of  shining  pearl, 
While  others  high  in  heaven  the  sheets  unfurl 
To  taste  the  kissing  breeze.     The  ships  sobn  feel 
The  anchors  loosen'd,  and,  with  narrow  keel, 
Divide  the  unstirr'd  waters  of  the  cove  ; 
Like  Beauty  dancing  on  the  lake  they  move. 

The  Lawrence  first  walks  stately  o'er  the  deep — 
Bearing  the  last  that  faulter'd  from  his*  lip, 
Dying  in  glory  :   "  Don't  give  up  the  Skip  /"          490 
Perry,  with  honour  stamp'd  upon  his  brow, 
Directs  the  bark  in  searching  for  the  foe. 

The  loveliest  stars  of  the  ethereal  train, 
Shone  in  conjunction  on  the  heavenly  plain, 
And  shed  their  brightest  influence  on  the  earth, 
At  the  blest  hour  that  gave  the  hero  birth. 

In  smiling  Newport,  his  young  life  begun  ; 
The  Island  State  delighted  in  her  son  ; 
To  sail  the  mimick  ship,  he  oft  would  stray 
Along  the  pebbled  beach — a  summer's  day  ;  500 

At  times  he'd  gaze  upon  the  flooding  tide, 

*  Lawrence, 
19*    VOL.  ii. 


FREDONIAD.       CANTO   XVII. 

And  ask  the  Deep,  what  cause  his  waves  supplied  ; 

In  riper  years  he  trac'd  it  to  the  moon, 

In  sweet  conjunction  with  the  attractive  sun  ; 

And  then,  desire  would  kindle  in  his  soul, 

To  learn  the  compass,  pointing  to  the  pole. 

His  father  watch'd  the  genius  of  his  mind, 
And  left  it  free  to  ramble  unconfin'd  ; 
But  when  he  found  the  ocean  was  its  bent, 
With  glowing  heart  he  granted  his  consent,  510 

And  open'd  all  the  wonder  of  the  art, 
To  guide  the  vessel  by  th'  unerring  chart ; 
Or  by  the  image  of  the  changing  moon  ; 
Or  by  the  sun,  when  thron'd  sublime  at  noon  ; 
Or  by  the  stars  firm  center'd  in  the  sky, 
From  time  extending  to  eternity. 

By  intuition  he  receiv'd  the  truth, 
Such  was  the  ready  genius  of  his  youth; 
He  took  at  once  the  science  of  the  sea  ; 
Strong  throbb'd  his  heart  to  bound  its  billows  free.     520 

His  patriot  father  so-nt  him  to  uphold 
His  country's  honour,  where  her  sons  were  sold 
By  ocean  robbers  of  Tripolian  birth — 
A  pest  that  preys  upon  the  civil  earth  ; 
From  Preble  there  he  learnt  the  naval  fight ; 
And  soon  he  shone  a  youthful  beam  of  light. 

And  now  his  country,  in  as  righteous  cause, 
Demands  his  valour  to  defend  her  laws 
Against  Impressment — never  to  be  nam'd 
With  any  monster  ever  yet  was  tam'd  ;  530 

The  lion  frequent  at  his  keeper's  tongue, 
Has  smooth'd  his  brow — his  violence  unstrung. 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  223 

The  leopard — yea,  the  tyger  has  been  known, 

To  lie  all  placid  by  their  feeder  down  ; 

Serpents  have  put  their  venom'd  teeth  aside, 

And  lick'd  the  hand,  which  them  with  food  supplied — 

But  this  fell  monster  of  the  British  Isle 

Is  far  more  savage,  in  its  nature  vile  ; 

Never  Impressment  can  be  nam'd  with  these — 

It  stains  with  blood  the  bosom  of  the  seas  !  540 

Never  could  West  his  lineaments  impart — 
His  every  feature  mocks  the  hand  of  art  ; 
His  round,  smooth  cheek,  luxuriant,  blushing,  fair, 
In  which  the  lily  and  the  rose-bud  rare' 
Mingle  with  such  divinity  of  grace, 
That  never  pencil  could  their  beauty  trace  ; 
His  forehead  high — his  arching  eyebrows  dark, 
His  eyes  of  jot,  pure  lighted  with  a  spark 
Of  fire  Promethean, — his  ample  breast, 
Binding  a  heart,  more  rich  than  all  the  rest.  550 

To  Perry  next  was  Yarnall,  Hamilton, 
With  whom,  but  few  will  bear  comparison  ; 
Laub,  Swartwout,  Taylor,  Claxton,  Brooks,  so  fair 
That  graceful  he  with  Perry  might  compare  ; 
Clark,  Cummings,  Forest,  Edwards,  Watts,  the  brave, 
Unite  to  guide  the  Lawrence  through  the  wave. 

Next  sails  Niagara  of  equal  power, 
By  Elliot  rul'd  for  the  decisive  hour  ; 
Turner  the  conquer'd  Caledonia  guides  ; 
And  close  upon  her  wake,  the  Scorpion  rides  ;  560 

Then,  Ariel,  Sommers,  Trippe  and  Porcupine — 
The  angry  Tygress  ends  the  squadron  line. 


224  FREDONIAD.       CANTO   XVII. 

As  clouds,  new  born  in  heaven,  sail  Erie's  lake, 
When  dewy  sun-beams  from  the  orient  break 
And  paint  their  folds,  exquisite  as  they  move, 
Delicious  floating  on  the  breath  of  love  ; 
Red,  gold,  and  azure,  in  their  beauty  glow, 
Like  the  bright  tints  that  mingle  in  the  bow. 

Thus  glide  the  ships  before  the  sugar  gales, 
With  infant  sun-beams  glittering  on  the  sails.  570 

The  gladdening  winds  spring  forth, — the  squadron  flies 
To  meet  with  Barclay — grapple  for  the  prize  ; 
Round  the  green  shores  of  Canada  they  sweep — 
Then,  through  the  centre  of  the  lake  they  keep  ; 
Shifting  the  helm  from  thence,  the  vessels  veer, 
And  round  Columbia  on  the  watch  they  steer, 
Burning  with  valour's  flame  to  fix  the  fight  ; 
Yet  Albion's  banner  flickers  from  their  sight. 

But  at  the  fading  of  the  second  sun, 
While  foaming  to  the  north,  the  squadron  run,  580 

The  spires  of  Maiden  reaching  to  the  sky, 
Appear  at  distance  to  their  watching  ej'e  ; 
Soon  in  fail  view  the  harbour  they  behold, 
And  Barclay,  anchor'd  with  his  canvass  roll'd  ; 
Perry  sublim'd,  felt  every  nerve  distend, 
That  death  or  conquest  would  his  labours  end. 

So  once,  a  condor  from  an  eagle's  nest 
Had  seiz'd  her  young,  while  absent  on  the  quest 
Of  food  to  hush  their  wants  : — With  grief  of  soul, 
She  comes  and  finds  her  bosom's  offspring  sold,        590 
Recover 'd  from  despair,  with  rage  she  flies, 
Seeking  her  foe  with  never-winking  eyes  ; 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  225 

Broad  whirling  round  the  heavens,  she  angry  sails, 

Shifting  her  pinions  to  the  shifting  gales  ; 

As  forth  she  darts,  she  maddens  in  her  rage 

To  meet  the  robber  and  with  death  engage  ; 

For  two  long  days  she  labours  through  the  sky, 

But  all  in  vain  her  searching  scrutiny. 

At  length,  while  hope  is  sinking  in  her  breast, 

She  spies  the  condor  snugly  in  her  nest  !  600 

She  claps  her  pinions — lightens  for  the  wars — 

Sharpens  her  beak,  and  grinds  her  pointed  claws. 

So  like  the  eagle,  Perry  mark'd  the  foe, 
Which  made  his  bosom's  blood  with  joy  o'erflow  ; 
He  furl'd  his  canvass — plac'd  his  ships  in  range, 
Ready  the  storm  of  battle  to  exchange. 

Barclay,  of  late,  had  travers'd  with  his  fleet 
The  waters  round,  to  give  his  seamen  feet ; 
To  learn  the  measure  of  his  sailing  speed, 
And  practise  on  the  lake  the  dreadful  deed.  610 

His  anchors  scarce  had  grappled  to  their  hold, 
When  Perry,  like  a  miser  searching  gold, 
Beheld  the  Lion  and  the  Cross  of  red, 
Touch'd  with  a  sunbeam  from  the  mountain's  head. 

Now  with  an  optick,  that  enlarg'd  the  sight, 
Perry  minute  observ'd  the  royal  might  ; 
And  soon  discover'd  they  in  strength  excell'd 
The  ships  he  honour'd,  for  his  country  held  ; 
And  by  their  movements,  he  was  made  to  know, 
'Twas  not  their  purpose  to  exchange  the  blow,         620 
Till  a  new  sun  should  in  the  orient  show. 

The  optick  laid  aside — his  voice  was  heard, 


226  FREDONIAD.       CANTO  XVII. 

Sweet  in  its  accent  as  the  evening  bird, 
Calling  with  fond  anxiety  of  breast 
Her  callow  young  to  shelter  in  the  nest  : 

"  Behold,  the  setting  of  the  sun  denies, 
That  we  should  meet  and  close  our  enmities  ; 
For,  after  battle,  blessed  is  the  peace, 
To  pour  the  balm  of  reconciling  grace. 

"  What  though  their  strength  exceeds  the  strength 

of  ours,  630 

Yet  wish  we  not  accession  of  our  powers  ; 
Should  we,  inferior,  the  ascendance  gain 
From  her,  the  self-styl'd  Mistress  of  the  main, 
Brighter  the  brilliance  of  the  deed  would  blaze, 
And  bear  our  memory  to  future  days  ! 
But  should  disposing  heaven  the  vict'ry  take, 
Ample  are  we  to  sanctify  the  lake  ! 
For  who  would  live,  a  conquer'd  vassal  be  ? 
The  thought  be  gone  !     We'll  stand,  till  death  shall 

free 

Our  spirits  from  this  prison-house  of  clay,  640 

And  seek  new  being  in  eternal  day  ! 

"  Forth  to  the  Sister  Isles  for  harbour  steer  ! 
The  battle  breaks,  when  day  illumes  the  sphere." 

Each  word  was  to  his  mariners  as  fire, 
Which  warm'd  their  bosoms  to  sublime  desire. 

To  Sister  Isles  they  navigate  their  way — 
And  reach  the  same,  as  evening's  mellow  ray 
Melts  in  the  lake.     They  anchor,  sleep,  by  turns, 
While  stars  pour  down  their  light  from  golden  urns. 

Same  time,  the  Britons  on  their  couches  sleep,  650 
Dreaming  of  Perry  conquer'd  on  the  deep  ; 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  227 

Barclay,  a  gem,  that  deck'd  the  Albion  name, 

Had  oft  beheld  the  ocean  in  a  flame  ; 

Nelson  had  school'd  him  in  the  naval  fight — 

He,  who  the  Cross  exalted  to  its  height ; 

Barclay,  like  Nelson,  hath  an  arm  but  one, 

To  wield  the  blade  to  urge  the  battle  on — 

Detroit,  deep  freighted  with  exploders  strong, 

Bears  his  proud  flag,  the  floating  clouds  among.       659 

The  Queen  Charlotte,  a  name  that's  now  no  more, 
Finnis  commands,  a  seaman  brave  of  }rore  ; 
The  Lady  Prevost  hearkens  to  Buchan, 
And  ocean  smil'd  to  own  the  valiant  man  ; 
He'd  fought  the  fight,  where  ships  to  heaven  were 

thrown — 

The  Nile,  that  cast  a  brilliance  on  the  crown  ; 
The  Hunter,  and  the  Chippcwa,  and  Belt,* 
Compose  the  fleet — the  last,  her  sister,  felt 
Republick  strength,  when  Rodgcrs  taught  the  proud 
His  Freedom's  dignity  with  brass  tongues  loud. 

The  royal  mariners,  as  day's  first  gleam  670 

Shone  in  the  east  and  flicker'd  on  the  stream, 
Stood  at  their  place,  the  anchors  to  up-wcigh, 
When  their  commander  should  the  order  say  ; 
Barclay  with  pride  their  valiancy  beheld, 
And  thus  the  fervour  of  his  soul  reveal'd  : 

"  Now  let  the  spirit  of  Britannia  rise  ! 
Behold,  this  day,  immortal  is  the  prize  ! 
This,  this  the  time  your  royalty  to  show, 
And  place  the  crown  of  honour  on  your  brow  ! 

*  Little  Belt. 


228  FREDONIAD.       CANTO  XVIt. 

Let  lightning  streak  your  veins  !  the  fire  reveal,    680 

Long  smother'd  in  your  bosoms  ! — prove  the  steel, 

That  never  batters  edge  ! — I  numbers  mark, 

Who  fought  with  Nelson  at  Trafalgar  dark — 

At  Egypt's  Nile — where  colleagu'd  France  and  Spain 

Found  their  mix'd  thunders  in  the  strife  was  vain  ! 

Your  scars  are  like  the  seals  at  Judgment  Day, 

The  bless'd  to  separate  from  death's  array  ! 

Thus  stamp'd  with  an  eternity  of  fame, 

Shall  we  not  strike  the  infant  Eagle  tame  1 

Yes — I  behold  it,  flashing  from  your  eye  !  690 

"  Unlock  the  anchors  !     Let  the  standards  fly  ! 
Never  to  fail,  till  memory  shall  die  !" 

He  swell'd  their  souls  to  shouting  !     Anchors  rise, 
And  presently  they  sail  where  Perry  lies, 
And  Barclay  thus  again  :  "  Mark — mark  the  foe  ! 
Soon  on  the  Crown  another  gem  will  show  ! 

"  But  when'yon  Stars  their  brilliancy  shall  hide, 
Then  be  your  souls  with  conquest  satisfied ; 
The  turmoil  violence  of  battle  cease  ; 
And  raise  the  conquer'd  with  the  hand  of  peace  ;   700 
Lawrence,  when  he  our  ro3^al  Peacock  slew, 
Kind  like  a  brother  melted  for  her  crew  ; 
And  shall  they  us  o'erreach  in  acts  divine  1 
Blush  at  the  thought  ! — let  mercy  rule  the  line  ; 
Be  fierce,  like  mad  things,  when  the  fire  is  cast — 
But  do,  as  angels,  when  the  storm  has  pass'd. 

"  No  more — For  action  let  the  ships  be  clear  ! 
The  battle  comes  !     The  foe  approaches  near  !" 

With  hearts  high  strung,  the  Albion  crews  obey — 
And  stand,  like  instinct,  ready  for  the  fray.  710 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  229 

Fast  grip'd  in  hand,  the  lighted  matches  smoke 
To  touch  the  quick  fire,  when  the  word  is  spoke. 

The  moment  the  Columbians  saw  the  fleet. 
Their  bosoms  kindled  with  electrick  heat  ; 
Their  eyes  quick  darted  an  impatient  glow, 
To  meet,  and  mix  the  battle  with  the  foe. 

With  valour's  calmness.,  Perry  gives  the  word  : 
"  Loosen  the  anchors  !     Let  the  sheets  afford 
A  harbour  for  the  wind  to  bear  us  forth 
To  give  the  proof,  that  Freedom  is  our  birth  !         720 
Yea,  prove  our  rich  inheritance  of  blood, 
That  none  shall  bend  our  standard  on  the  flood. 

"  Why  waste  my  voice  on  souls  to  glory  given — 
No  more — Our  hope  is  in  the  arm  of  heaven  !" 

They  felt  his  language  at  the  core  of  life, 
And  on  their  brows  was  calmness  for  the  strife  ; 
An  awful  calmness, — such  as  nature  feels, 
Ere  ihe  big  thunder  o'er  the  concave  peals. 

The  gales  of  morning  in  the  canvass  play— 
It  fills — slow  winds  the  squadron  from  the  bay.      730 
The  Lawrence  ship,  more  fair  before  the  wind, 
Outsails  the  others  struggling  on  behind  ; 
But  soon  the  breezes,  languishing  of  life, 
Resign  the  Lawrence  lonely  to  the  strife  ! 
The  rest,  becalm'd,  far  distant  on  the  deep, 
In  which  each  patriot  leans  his  head  to  weep. 

By  this,  the  enemy  elanc'd  the  shot — 
The  first  explosion  thunder'd  from  Charlotte  ; 
20    VOL.  ii. 


230  FREDON1AD.       CANTO  XVII. 

Next,  the  Detroit  by  full  divisions  roar'd — 

And  soon,  the  whole  an  iron  tempest  pour'd.          740 

With  carronades,  the  Lawrence  found  it  vain 
The  far-off  distance  of  the  foe  to  gain  ! 
But  Perry  stood  sublime  !     "  This,  this  the  hour 
To  prove  th'  unbending  of  your  heart's  rich  power  ! 
Though  volum'd  fires  severe  against  us  burn, 
And  we  unable  to  repel  in  turn, 
Yet  fix'd  is  our  resolve  to  live,  or  die, 
And  smile,  while  struggling  with  adversity  ! 
Heaven  sends  us  griefs  our  souls  to  purify, 
And  make  them  fit  for  immortality  !  750 

As  is  our  power  to  bear,  it  sends  them  down — 
Hence,  outlook  death,  nor  murmur  with  a  frown  ! 

"  But  mark  ! — we  gain  upon  the  foe  ahead  ! 
'Tis  time  we  strike  them  with  a  blow  that's  dead  !" 

He  gave  the  mandate  with  serenest  look, 
Which  prov'd  his  valour  never  to  be  broke. 

Scarce  had  he  ended,  when  his  shouting  crew 
Applied  the  match  with  pointed  vengeance  true  ; 
The  globes,  like  pestilence,  through  ether  fly,         759 
While  nitrous  smoke  makes  dark  the  noon-bright  sky  ; 
Circles  of  fire  in  nimble  flashes  gleam, 
Which  show  a  direful  fracture  in  the  stream, 
As  though  that  hell  were  burning  hideous  there, 
With  many  a  ghastly  image  in  the  glare. 

The  Lawrence  thus  alone  withstands  the  whole, 
The  cannon  deafening  with  unceasing  roll. 

As  when  two  thunders,  darting  from  a  cloud, 
Contend  in  air  beneath  a  lightning  shroud  ; 
Nor  think  they  to  retire — but  smiting  burst 
With  peals,  that  shake  the  tenements  of  dust.         770 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  „       231 

Thus  dread  they  met — and  thus  in  equal  poise 
The  battle  hangs — thus  dreadful  is  the  noise. 

Yet  Perry  seems  sufficient  for  the  fleet  ! 
And  dangers  darkening  -but  inflame  his  heat  ; 
Life  fails  on  every  side  !     A  gush  of  blood 
Pours  from  each  vessel — mixes  with  the  flood  ; 
T  he  sable  ships  are  dyed  with  gory  red — 
The  lake  becomes  a  sepulchre  of  dead. 

A  shot  intended  to  destroy  a  mast, 
Sever'd  the  arm  of  Barclay  as  it  pass'd  ;  780 

His  sword  fell  grasp'd  within  his  only  hand — 
His  right  was  buried  in  Trafalgar  sand  ! 
Yet  scorn'd  his  soul  below  to  seek  relief, 
And,  in  his  place,  the  surgeons  staunch'd  in  brief 
Life's  jutting  streamlet — wrapp'd  th'  unsightly  part, 
And  soon  he  rose,  unalter'd  at  his  heart  ! 

As  Laub  was  aiding  gently  to  sustain 
A  wounded  youth, — two  fiery  balls  in  chain, 
From  the  Detroit,  with  whirling  motion  came, 
And  where  the  neck  of  female  wakens  flame  790 

Sacred  to  love — drove  desolating  through  ! 
The  live  blood  leaping  from  the  arteries  flew. 
The  body  fell,  with  a  convulsion,  dead — 
Along  the  vessel  roll'd  the  gasping  head. 

During  this  period,  so  severe  the  blast, 
Brooks's  division  had  expir'd  their  last  ; 
He  comes  to  Perry  for  a  fresh  supply — 
A  beauteous  valour  rolling  in  his  eye  ; 
No  smile  is  on  his  lip,  but  his  fair  cheeks 
Blush  into  roses  as  he  kindling  speaks  :  800 


232  FREDONIAD.      CANTO    XVII. 

"  Let  not  my  voice,  O  Perry,  damp  thy  breast  ; 
Ask  not  the  cause,  my  cannon  are  at  rest  ; 
Alas,  th'  unsparing  havock  of  the  strife, 
Hath  robb'd  my  every  warrior  of  his  life  1 
I've  come  t'  invite  thee  to  replace  their  power, 
That  I  may  glory  in  this  glorious  hour  ! 

Give  me  their  names  " 

O,  wherefore  is  it  thus — 
Amidst  his  soul's  expression  emulous, 
Ceas'd  he  his  voice  1     His  friends,  alas  for  them  I 
He  fell,  a  lily  broken  from  its  stem  !  810 

His  mother's  tears  must  fall  in  bitterness — 
The  lov'd  one  of  his  bosom,  motionless 
Sink  to  the  earth — a  coldness  seize  her  heart, 
As  at  the  hour  when  mind  and  body  part  J 

His  brittle  thigh  was  broken  on  the  deck, 
The  pangs  of  which  were  tortures  of  the  rack — 
The  war-bolt  dash'd  him  'gainst  the  vessel's  side, 
And  thus  to  Perry  in  despair  he  cried  : 

"  Snatch — s*jl«e — O  snatch  the  pistol  from  my  belt ! 
Never  such  anguish,  mortal  ever  felt !  820 

O,  I  beseech  you,  sudden  let  me  die — 
In  mercy,  free  me  from  this  agony  !" 

Perry  felt  that  he  never  felt  before — 
It  seem'd  that  blood-drops  stood  in  every  pore  ! 

"  Cummings,  Hamilton,   haste — bear   him  from 

sight, 

Or  it  may  cause  a  palsy  in  the  fight  ; 
I'd  fix'd  my  soul  to  look  unmov'd  at  death — 
But  O,  his  pleadings  take  away  my  breath  !" 

Like  twin-born  brothers,  tender  they  comply  ; 
Gently  they  raise  him  with  a  pitying  eye  ;  830 


PERRY'S  VICTORY. 

But,  lo,  a  cruel  bolt  from  Albion  sung, 

And  the  firm  nerves,  that  bind  the  ancle  strong, 

Loosen'd  of  Hamilton !     He  falls  with  Brooks — 

Though  sharp  his  pains,  unalter'd  are  his  looks  ! 

Or  if  his  eye  the  least  emotion  shows, 

'Tis  for  the  youth  that  feels  expiring  throes. 

Cummings  and  Swartwout  carry  them  below — 
Where,  faint  through  loss  of  blood,  they  pale  like 
snow. 

But  nature,  struggling,  soon  creates  a  flush, 
Hectick  in  Brooks's  cheek — fairer  that  blush,         840 
Than  ever  play'd  on  beauty's  love-dress  flower — 
Or  sweetly  brighten'd  in  the  orient  hour. 
But  like  all  beauty  of  this  mortal  earth, 
It  died  the  instant  that  produc'd  its  birth  ! 

Brooks  blush'd  a  moment  with  a  feverish  glow, 
Then  his  heart  flutter'd  and  forgot  its  wo  ! 

The  Lawrence  yet  defying,  holds  the  blast, 
Though  sails  hung  tatter'd  from  her  every  mast ; 
And  swords,  and  broken  cannon,  dying  men, 
Are  scatter'd  round — a  desolating  scene  !  850 

But  lo,  while  heroes  with  their  death-wounds  fall, 
The  shield  of  heaven  guards  Perry  from  the  ball ! 

So  great  their  love,  the  patriots,  as  they  die, 
Turn  the  last  motion  of  their  fading  eye 
To  catch  his  sweet  serenity  of  form, 
Like  some  bright  angel  mid  creation's  storm. 

At  length,  the  Lawrence  scarce  maintain'd  a  gun, 
And  he,  to  Yarnall,  presently  began — 
20*    VOL.  ii. 


234  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XVII. 

Whose  cheek  was   swell'd  and  black — his  arm  was 

broke, 

His  thigh  was  bleeding — still  an  untam'd  look         860 
ReveaPd  to  Perry,  that  his  soul  yet  stood 
Firm — till  his  life  should  be  by  death  subdu'd  : 

"  Yarnall,  in  battle  with  the  Lawrence  stand  ! 
Thy  blood  will  be  an  unction  to  the  land  ! 
From  this,  to  the  Niagara,  I  sail — 
And  urge  her  forth — if  heaven  inspires  the  gale  ! 
"  The  valiant  live   not   long  ;     when  dead,  they 

bloom — 

Yea,  wreaths  ofglory  flourish  on  their  tomb  ! 
While  ages  roll,  and  millions  sleep  and  rot, 
And,  as  the  dust  that  buries  them,  forgot,  870 

A  hero  grows  and  brightens  in  his  fame, 
Like  the  fix'd  star,  that  pours  a  quenchless  flame  !" 

This  said:  he  forth  selected  from  the  crew, 
Those  without  wounds,  and  to  the  barge-boat  flew  ; 
Each  to  his  oar  with  gallant  effort  sprung, 
While  peals  redoubling  from  the  cannon  rung. 

Perry  erect  looks  calm  upon  the  scene — 
And  all  he  feels  is  safety  for  his  men  ; 
But  they  the  thought  of  living  would  despise, 
Should  they  behold  the  closing  of  his  eyes.  880 

The  barge,  a  thing  of  wonder,  darts  along — 
Yea — seems  like  gossamer  in  tempest  flung, 
For  rang'd  in  line,  the  foe  their  thunders  hurl'd 
To  strike  the  insect  vessel  from  the  world  ; 
On  every  side  incessant  war  they  keep, 
Darkening  the  heavens  and  breaking  up  the  deep. 

Thus  from  the  brooding  entrails  of  a  cloud, 
A  shower  of  hail  descends  with  rattlings  loud  ; 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  235 

The  fire-tongu'd  lightning  furious  drives  it  forth 
Against  the  golden  harvest  of  the  earth  ;  890 

Or  hurls  it,  beating,  at  the  ocean's  breast, 
Which  seems  to  wake  in  torment  from  its  rest. 

So  fly  the  ruins  o'er  the  inland  sea— 
But  vain  the  efforts  of  the  enemy  ; 
Perry  maintains  the  same  unruffled  brow, 
Wielding  his  blade,  defiance  of  the  foe  ; 
He  seems  like  something  not  of  human  form, 
To  breathe  with  life,  while  buried  in  the  storm. 

So  at  the  consummating  hour,  when  Time, 
In  heaven,  shall  wed  Eternity  sublime —  900 

Earth  the  dread  change  will  through  her  centre  feel ; 
The  strangled  Sun  to  stagnant  blood  congeal ; 
Comets,  delirious,  through  the  concave  driven  ; 
The  Moon,  convuls'd,  turn  back  her  course  in  heaven  ; 
The  mountains  burn — a  blast  absorb  the  seas  ; 
And  all  the  planetary  worlds  in  blaze  ! 
Lo,  at  this  change,  a  seraph,  sent  to  mark 
If  all  be  touch'd  with  the  consuming  spark, 
Will  glide  uninjur'd  by  each  burning  star, 
And  smile  amid  the  elemental  war.  910 

So  Perry,  as  with  strength  from  heaven  supplied, 
Moves  through  strange  fire  and  thunder, — every  side. 

The  Britons  stood  admiring  at  the  deed — 
And  in  astonishment  this  Barclay  said  : 

"  In  history  have  I  read  of  actions  brave, 
Achiev'd  by  ancient  heroes  of  the  wave  ; 
Yea — seen  Trafalgar  and  the  dreadful  Nile, 
Where  names  were  plac'd  upon  immortal  file, 


236  FREDONIAD.       CANTO  XVII. 

But  all  that  ever  I  have  seen  or  read, 

This  act  of  Perry's,  actions  past  exceed  !  920 

u  Mark,  what  a  calmness  on  his  brow  is  seen, 
As  though  he  glided  o'er  the  lake  serene, 
Bent  on  his  pleasure  !     Wonderful  it  seems, 
That  he  should  live  involv'd  in  fiery  streams  ! 
My  eye  intent  hath  mark'd  him  from  the  first, 
Thinking  to  see  him  shiver  to  the  dust  ; 
Yet,  still  he  lives  ! — yea — passes  by  our  fleet, 
Pouring  its  flames  in  one  impetuous  sheet ! 

"  But  will  it  aught  avail  1     It  never  will — 
He  must  resign  to  our  superior  skill,  030 

And  ample  force  to  bend  his  standards  down, 
And  make  him  own  the  prowess  of  the  Crown  ; 
Scarce  can  the  Lawrence  answer  with  a  gun, 
Which  makes  our  strength  as  two  oppos'd  to  one. 

"  Though  numbers  lay  in  gory  vestments  dead, 
And  I  once  more  for  Albion's  honour  bled, 
Yet  'tis  a  joy  for  valiant  men  to  die, 
And  gain,  through  death,  a  bright  eternity  !" 

As  Barclay  pour'd  the  flowings  of  his  mind, 
Perry,  uninjur'd,  the  Niagara  gain'd —  940 

Her  placid  sails  forsaken  by  the  wind  ! 

An  holy  tear  delighted  Elliot's  eye, 
When  Perry,  leaping  in  the  boat,  drew  nigh  ; 
Joy  touch'd  his  soul  to  see  him  once  again — 
Him,  whom  his  mind  had  number'd  with  the  slain  ; 
For  all  his  hope  surrender'd  to  despair, 
That  in  the  Lawrence,  one  had  breathing  there. 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  237 

Thus  a  fond  mother  seeks  her  infant  child, 
Astray'd  from  home  among  the  thickets  wild  ; 
Pursuing,  heedlessly,  the  gilded  wing  950 

Of  sunny  butterfly,  or  flowers  of  spring  ; 
Or  gathering  berries  with  its  fingers  small, 
Till  far  it  wander'd  from  its  parent's  call ; 
Through  the  lone  search,  each  step,  she  feels  despair — 
Toss'd  in  the  wind,  dishevell'd  flies  her  hair  ; 
By  meddling  thought,  half  frenzy  whirls  her  head — 
Her  hopes  expire — she  dooms  her  infant  dead  ; 
But  lo,bewilder'd  and  surpris'd  with  joy, 
Plucking  the  berries,  she  beholds  her  boy  !  959 

Her  eyes  stream  heaven  ! — her  soul  takes  wing  above, 
Clasping  his  bosom  with  a  parent's  love  ! 

Such  joy  was  Elliot's,  Perry  to  behold, 
Thinking  the  beatings  of  his  heart  were  cold. 

Like  brothers  meeting,  tender  they  embrace  ; 

The  drops  of  friendship  trickling  down  their  face. 

********* 

"  Heaven  yet  will  aid  us  !"    Elliot  stammering  spoke, 
Soon  as  his  passion  ceas'd  his  voice  to  choke  ; 
"  What  anguish  rent  my  soul!  my  heart  dropp'd  blood, 
To  see  the  Lawrence  circled  on  the  flood 
By  all  the  royal  navy  in  a  flame,  97Q 

It  caus'd  the  teardrops  from  the  brave  to  stream  ! 
Why  do  I  talk  ?     No  language  can  declare 
What  the  soul  sufter'd — every  heart  was  bare  ! 
So  wilder'd  was  the  mind,  that  thrice  we  arm'd 
To  ply  the  match — not  thinking  we  were  calm'd  !!> 

Thus  he.     And  Perry  thus  :  "  Elliot,  I  feel, 
Thy  heart  felt  more,  than  language  can  reveal, 


238  FREDONIAD.      CANTO    XVII. 

Though  that  thy  voice  hath  rausick  in  its  strain, 
Binding  my  soul  in  fascinating  chain. 

"  Yes,  heaven  will  aid  us  to  repel  the  foe,  980 

If  to  adversity  we  scorn  to  bow  ; 
Our  strength  united,  none  divides  the  band  ; 
Not  all  theNpower  of  Europe's  titled  land  ; 
Yea,  than  to  yield,  'tis  sweeter  far  to  die  ; 
Sweet  as  the  slumber-breath  of  infancy  ! 

"  But  mark  you  not  yon  rippling  o'er  the  lake  ? 
It  comes — it  spreads — the  winds  are  there  awake  ! 

"  O  come,  ye  Winds  !  and  nestle  in  our  sail — 
I  hear  your  voice,  more  sweet  than  nightingale  ! 
O  come,  and  elevate  the  Eagle's  wing,  990 

She  droops — made  sick  at  heart  with  sorrowing  ! 

"  Behold,  they  come  and  flicker  in  the  sheets  ! 
Effulgent  brilliancy  the  day  completes  ! 
The  Eagle  throws  the  sickness  from  her  heart — 
She  mounts — her  eyes  the  beams  of  vict'ry  dart  ; 
Lawrence  hath  open'd  us  the  way — and  now, 
We'll  bring  our  strength  unbroken  on  the  foe. 

"  Forth,  Elliot,  to  the  lagging  ships  proceed 
And  bend  their  sails  to  aid  the  signal  deed, 
Whilst  I  Niagara  to  the  battle  crowd,  1000 

And  from  the  Lawrence  sweep  the  bleeding  cloud." 

Elliot,  with  fibres  of  his  heart  new  strung, 
With  chosen  bargemen,  in  the  pinnace  sprung 
To  gain  the  vessels  struggling  on  behind, 
And  bring  them  forward  with  the  freshening  wind. 

As  Elliot  reach'd  the  squadron  on  the  rear, 
Disguis'd,  Fredonia  glided  through  the  sphere  ; 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  239 

She  seem'd  an  Eagle,  grac'd  with  gorgeous  wings, 
Winding  between  the  clouds  in  floating  rings  ; 
Her  plumage  glittering,  wonderous  to  behold,         1010 
As  down  she  circled  in  a  flood  of  gold. 

Now,  on  the  bosom  of  the  air  she  sails, 
Fanning  with  gentle  wing  the  amorous  gales  ; 
Around  the  fleet,  admiring  to  the  sight, 
She  winds,  like  beauty  circumfus'd  in  light  ; 
O'er  Perry's  head  she  paus'd  a  moment's  time, 
And  then  evanish'd  mid  the  clouds  sublime. 

The  mariners  beheld  with  ravish'd  look — 
At  length,  their  transport  into  shouting  broke  : 

u  Lo,  victory  is  ours  !     Behold  the  sign  !  1020 

It  burns  in  heaven,  like  agency  divine  !" 

When  Barclay  heard  their  voices  on  the  air, 
He  rang'd  his  fleet  in  naval  character, 
Fix'd  for  defence.     When  lin'd  in  readiness, 
He,  like  a  victor,  utter'd  this  address  : 

"  Behold,  they  come — flags  dancing  in  the  wind  ! 
Lo,  presently  they  fall,  to  grief  resign'd  ; 
But  each  must  gird  his  royal  armour  on — 
Their  banners  wave  to  dignify  the  Crown  ! 
Yes — each  his  proudest  efforts  must  perform  ;         1030 
See,  they  approach,  like  darkness  in  a  storm  ! 
Let  life's  deep  engine,  maddening  pulses,  beat ; 
No  equal  power  reduces  Albion's  fleet ! 
Yet  mark  my  words — we  fight  not  France,  nor  Spain — 
Some  English  blood  runs  dancing  through  their  vein  ! 


240  FREDONFAD.      CANTO   XVII. 

"  Inflame  the  brass  with  fire  !      The  bolts  drive 

well — 
Let  war  outnoise  the  direst  peal  of  hell." 

With  brazen  lungs  the  cannon  bellowing  roar'd, 
And,  on  Niagara,  their  thunders  pour'd. 

Slow  gliding  on,  the  Freedom  ships  drew  nigh,  1040 
Facing  the  blast  in  deep  solemnity. 
But  when  in  distance  scarce  the  vessel's  length, 
Her  brass  exploded  with  Vesuvian  strength. 

Perry   breaks  forth  :    "  With  crowned    canvass 

move  ! 

This,  this  the  hour,  your  energies  to  prove  ! 
Press — bear  the  ship  within  a  duel  shot 
Of  proud  Detroit,  of  Prevost,  and  Charlotte  ; 
On  these,  close  levelled,  let  the  starboard  pour, 
While  larboard  cannon  in  full  concert  roar, 
And  strike  the  fiery  Chippewa  and  Belt,  1050 

That  not  as  yet  a  bleeding  round  have  felt  ; 
Thus,  as  with  lightnings,  streaming  on  each  side, 
We'll  pierce  their  line — their  battle  strength  divide  ; 
Their  banners  humble — bow  their  lofty  pride." 

His  bold  design  went  thrilling  to  the  heart, 
And  each  with  calmness  answer'd  to  his  part  ; 
The  sails  they  crowded,  and  a  signal  set, 
His  plan  to  be  supported  by  the  fleet. 

When  Barclay  scannM  the  purpose  of  his  foe 
To  break  his  line,  his  strength  to  overthrow,        1060 
He  by  a  flag  proclaim'd  it  to  his  fleet, 
While  his  tongue  show'd  how  strong  his  pulses  beat : 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  241 

"  Mark,  how  Niagara  bears  upon  us  proud  ! 
Smother  her  progress  with  a  fiery  shroud  ! 
She  sunders — breaks  the  line  !     Defend  the  Crown  ! 

Hurl  forth  " 

A  torn-off  splinter  smote  him  down, 
Yet  seem'd  he  not  to  notice  that  he  fell  : 

"  Level  the  cannon  !  gun  for  gun  repel  !" 
Full  peals  unbroken  at  Niagara  roll — 
But  Perry  moves  unalter'd  in  his  soul,  1070 

Not  winking  at  the  blast.     In  duel  shot, 
He  rakes,  and  breaks  the  vitals  of  Charlotte  ; 
Prevost,  Detroit,  and  Chippewa,  and  Belt, 
On  either  side,  beneath  the  lightnings  melt ; 
Niagara  seems  a  dragon,  wing'd  with  fire  ; 
Her  flames  augmenting  to  the  clouds  aspire. 

Lo  now,  a  rifle  volley  from  marines, 
The  upper  deck  of  either  vessel  gleans  ; 
Those,  that  have  life,  for  shelter  fly  beneath 
To  shun  the  pestilence  of  leaden  death.  1080 

Buchan,  an  ornament  to  Albion's  race, 
Craz'd  by  a  shot  that  broke  upon  his  face, 
With  vacant  eye  stood  gazing  on  the  flood, 
Alone,  unarm'd,  and  reckless  of  his  blood  ; 
Yet  still  the  rifles  flung  the  hissing  lead  ; 
Perry  beheld  it,  and  with  feeling  said  : 

"  The  Briton  stands  bewilder'd  in  his  gore  ; 
Suppress  the  flames — elance  no  death-lead  more  ; 
His  sword  hath  fallen — why  expend  the  shot  ? 
Let  mercy  rule  us,  and  forget  it  not  !"  1090 

21    VOL.  ii. 


242  FREDONIAD.       CANTO    XVII. 

The  warriors  hearken'd,  and  obey'd  him  soon  ; 
Buchan,  the  moment,  shiver'd  in  a  swoon  ; 
The  loosen'd  fibres  of  his  heart  gave  way  ; 
He  heav'd  one  gasp,  and  stiffen'd  into  clay  ! 

The  Caledonia,  by  the  wayward  wind, 
Lags  from  Niagara  on  the  wave  behind  ; 
Turner,  with  soul  impatient  for  the  fight, 
Commands,  that  through  the   sail,  his  gun   should 

light  :  1100 

"  Cold  is  that  heart,  which  longer  can  delay  ! 
What  !  without  aid,  shall  Perry  win  the  day  ? 
Shall  we  no  honour  in  the  battle  seek  1 
No — through  the  fore-sail,  let  the  cannon  speak  !" 

Hardly  his  tongue  the  proclamation  made, 
When  the  brass  quicken'd  from  its  slumber  dead, 
And  rent  the  canvass  that  conceal'd  the  foe, 
And  caus'd  the  blood  in  a  new  stream  to  flow. 
The  Ariel,  Scorpion,  close  upon  her  glide — 
Then,  board  to  board,  the  Trippe  and  Tygress  ride  ; 
And  Somers  next,  and  next  the  Porcupine, 
Urg'd  by  one  impulse  in  the  fight  combine. 

Now  ship  to  ship  and  gun  to  gun  they  meet, 
Their  anger  kindling  with  ambitious  heat ; 
As  flames  of  Etna  to  the  clouds  are  driven  ; 
As  thunders  meet,  and  mix,  and  crash  in  heaven — 
Not  with  less  rage  the  circling  fires  flash  round ; 
Not  with  less  rage  the  brazen  engines  sound. 
Fragments  of  men — trunks — heads,  with  gory  hair, 
Splash  in  the  lake,  like  things  unworthy  care  !      1120 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  243 

The  crystal  lake  becomes  a  sea  of  gore, 
And  still  the  battle  magnifies  it  more  ! 

The  foremost  characters  of  Albion  fail  ; 
Faint  beat  their  hearts — their  features  waxing  pale. 

Finnis,  whose  breast  was  honour  to  the  core, 
Mixes  with  Erie's  flood  his  bosom's  gore  ; 
While  in  the  act  to  animate  his  crew, 
A  fire-drove  bullet  pierc'd  his  vitals  through  : 

"  Britons  !  remember  what  ye  are  !"  he  cried, 
And  roll'd  his  eyes  to  heaven,  and  smiling  died  !   1130 

Now  reel  the  masts  of  Albion's  Charlotte  ; 
Her  shrouds  swing  loose, — dissever'd  by  the  shot  ; 
She  tangles  with  Detroit,  devoid  of  helm  ; 
In  this  sad  plight,  the  patriots  overwhelm 
The  ships  with  raining  fire.     A  moment  brief, 
They  seem  like  Frenzy  overcome  by  Grief, 
At  last,  death's  dullness  on  their  hearts  they  feel  ; 
They  strike  their  tatter'd  flags — to  Freedom's  banner 
kneel  ! 

As  when  a  scowling  tempest  wraps  the  world  ; 
Lightnings  and  thunders,  from  its  entrails  hurl'd,  1140 
Driving  to  earth  a  cataract  of  rain  ; 
Shiv'ring  the  oaks  and  dashing  them  amain  ; 
It  passes  by — the  loosen'd  winds  are  laid  ; 
The  sun  paints  rainbows  on  each  dew-drop  blade  ; 
The  poplarstands  unmov'd  upon  the  heath  ; 
The  world  calm  slumbers,  lull'd  with  heaven's  sweet 
breath. 

Such  was  the  change,  when  Albion's  standard  fell, 
The  lightnings  died — the  thunders  ceas'd  to  swell. 


244  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XVII. 

Perry  exclaim'd  :    "  By  heaven's  indulgent  Powers, 
We've  met  the  enemy  and  they  are  ours  /"  1150 

Barclay  to  Perry  in  his  sorrow  came  ; 
Pale  his  sunk  cheek — with  many  a  gory  maim  ! 
He  paus'd — and  after,  thus  :  "  Most  sad  'tis  mine, 
To  thee  this  tarnish'd  honour  to  resign  ; 
Undying  ages  will  exalt  thy  fame, 
Whilst  deep  oblivion  will  becloud  my  name  !" 

Perry  with  sympathy  :  "  That  word  suppress — 
'Twas  heaven  that  crown'd  my  effort  with  success  ; 
If  arms  alone  could  conquer,  thou  hadst  won  ; 
What  man  could  do,  that  nobly  hast  thou  done  ;   1160 
Oblivion,  did  you  say  ?     That  ne'er  can  be, 
While  worth  o'er  baseness  holds  ascendency  ; 
Oblivion  ! — never — wounds  will  leave  a  scar, 
Which  to  the  world,  will  speak  thy  character  ! 
For  these  deep  gory  stains  wilt  thou  receive 
Something  more  rich  than  golden  mines  can  give. 

"  The  brave,  at  times  must  render  up  the  fight, 
But  fame  encircles  them  with  robes  of  light  ; 
To  names,  nor  naval  skill,  the  battle's  given, 
Unless  supported  by  the  arm  of  heaven.  1170 

"  Your  wounds  ask  medicine — Come,  pass  with  me, 
Lean  on  my  arm,  and  while  on  board  be  free." 

The  soul  of  Barclay  crowded  in  his  eyes  ; 
Silent  he  stood, — recover'd,  he  replies  : 

"  You've  won  my  heart — yea,  conquer'd  me  again  ; 
Thy  soothing  voice  hath  all  my  feelings  slain  ; 
But  this  last  victory,  the  first  excels, 
As  heaven  this  earth,  where  peace  eternal  dwells. 


PERRY'S  VICTORY.  245 

"  Accept  my  sword.     I'm  conquer'd,  and  resign — 
A  thousand  more  to  such  a  heart  as  thine  !"         1180 

Perry  makes  answer  :  "  Never  more,  I  pray, 
Urge  me  that  point — sufficient  is  the  day  ; 
Sheath'd  be  thy  blade — convey  it  to  thy  land  ; 
'Twould  pierce  my  heart  to  touch  it  with  my  hand. 

Barclay  surrenders  in  the  strife  of  soul ; 
Bending  his  mind  to  Perry's  kind  control. 

Tender  the  surgeons,  by  their  sacred  art, 
Close  his  rough  wounds  and  soften  every  smart. 

Perry  sets  compass  for  Sandusky  Bay  ; 
Where  safe  he  anchors  at  the  close  of  day.  1190 


21*   TOL.  11. 


CANTO  XVIII. 


INVASION  OF  CANADA  AT 
MALDEN. 


ARGUMENT. 

The  Northern  Army  being  reinforced  by  Johnson,  and  receiving 
positive  intelligence  of  Perry's  Victory,  decamp  from  Fort 
Meigs....The  Embarcation.... Proctor's  Retreat  to  the  River 
Thames.. ..Invasion  of  Canada....  A  Night  Scene. 

The  scene  is  laid  in  Kentucky,  at  Fort  Meigs,  Sandusky,  and  at 
Maiden.. ..The  time  is  thirty-six  hours. 


FREDONIAD. 


CANTO  XVIII. 

MEANTIME  Kentucky,  fill'd  with  patriot  flame, 
Summon'd  her  warriors  to  the  field  of  fame ; 
Though  with  her  blood  the  earth  she'd  sprinkled  o'er, 
At  the  Miami  and  at  Raisin's  shore, 
Yet,  jealous  Freedom  glowing  in  her  breast, 
A  Star,  she  rises  in  the  dark-blue  West. 

Her  offspring  listen'd  to  her  martial  tongue, 
Which,  to  their  ears,  was  sweet  as  musick  strung 
To  th'  jEolian  harp  : — they  heard — and,  at  the  sound, 
In  crowded  ranks,  collected  on  the  ground.  10 

Where  Licking  stream  with  the  Ohio  flows, 
Sublime  in  air  their  spangled  banner  rose  ; 
Licking,  in  ancient  time,  its  springs  pour'd  forth 
To  slack  the  thirst  of  nature's  giant  birth  ; 
The  mammoth — once  the  sovereign  of  the  wood, 
Till  shafts  of  thunder  the  huge  race  subdu'd  ; 
Scarce  could  the  stream  their  mighty  drought  supply  ; 
They  drank  the  river,  yet  their  throats  were  dry. 

Here  was  the  standard  of  the  Free  up-rear'd, 
Where  soon  in  arms  a  darkening  host  appear'd  ;       20 


250  PREDONIAD.       CANTO    XVIII. 

As  clouds,  collecting  in  the  western  sphere, 

Proclaim  a  tempest  to  the  peasant  near  ; 

Grum  muttering  thunders  groaning  far  remote, 

Sound  th'  alarm  with  heavy  rumbling  note  ; 

So  at  the  junction  of  the  mammoth's  flood 

With  the  Ohio — sons  of  hunters  crowd, — 

Ample — beyond  all  measure  to  proceed, 

As  they  by  numbers  would  the  cause  impede  ; 

Hence,  many  a  warrior,  with  his  heart  in  pain, 

Slow,  with  reluctance — measur'd  back  the  plain.       30 

These,  as  the  first  that  marshall'd  on  the  field, 
The  post  of  honour  for  their  country  held  : 

Henry,  in  rank,  is  second  to  Desha  ; 
Then,  Chyle  and  Trotter  in  the  line  display  ; 
Next  King  and  Symral  form  upon  the  heath, 
Intent  to  gain  th'  immortalizing  wreath, 
With  which  proud  Vict'ry    crowns  her  champions 

brave, 
To  bid  defiance  to  the  mouldering  grave. 

Barry,*  whose  eloquence  delights  the  mind, 
And  moulds  the  heart  to  tenderness  refin'd,  40 

Claims  from  the  Muse  a  momentary  pause, 
Partial  to  give  his  character  applause. 

Virginia  gave  him  birth — so  rich  in  names, 
That  four,  the  proudest  of  the  land  she  claims  ; 
Four,  who  than  thrones  had  seats  more  high  attained. 
And  then,  with  humble  gratitude,  resign'd  ; 
A  noble  lesson  to  instruct  mankind. 

His  father,  poor,  conducted  him,  a  child, 
Beyond  the  mountains  to  Kentucky  wild  ; 

*  William  T.  Barry. 


INVASION   OF   CANADA.  251 

To  the  blest  spot  where  Lexington  took  birth  ;        50 
A  flower,  the  fairest  of  the  western  earth  ; 
Scarce  yet  in  bloom — but  soon  to  wide  expand, 
And  pour  its  od'rous  treasures  through  the  land  ; 
Ere  long,  her  Transylvania  will  proclaim 
Through  distant  realms  the  virtue  of  a  name  ; 
Here,  by  a  Holley's  care,  the  mind  receives 
A  boon  more  rich,  than  golden  treasure  gives  ; 
Exalted  Science — whose  unclouded  eye 
Looks  with  a  smile  beyond  mortality. 

Here  pass'd  his  sweet  simplicity  of  youth,  60 

Ever  devoted  to  the  shrine  of  truth  ; 
Though  born  to  indigence — with  scarce  a  friend 
To  give  him  counsel,  or  his  views  commend, 
Yet,  by  his  native  energies,  he  rose 
In  spite  of  all  that  envy  could  oppose  ; 
For  envy  ever  will  pursue  the  good, 
As  shade,  the  substance  in  similitude. 

Kentucky  gave  him  honour  with  acclaim, 
That  in  the  senate,  he  should  speak  her  name  ; 
Yea,  and  he  spoke  it  with  a  voice  so  clear,  70 

That  sages  listen'd  with  delighted  ear. 

Though  that  his  soul  was  as  a  summer's  day  ; 
As  sweet  as  nature  in  her  love-dress  gay, 
Yet,  mention  but  his  country's  wrongs,  he  show'd 
That  flame  indignant  in  his  bosom  glow'd. 

As  he  in  senate  had  the  war  declar'd, 
So  now  its  perils,  he,  like  Johnson,  dar'd. 

The  next  is  Crittenden  in  war -robes  seen  ; 
Though  dark  his  eye,  yet  open  is  his  mein. 


252  FREDONIAD.       CANTO    XVIII. 

At  times,  his  tongue  would  elevate  the  soul,  80 

And  bear  it  high  beyond  the  will's  control ; 

At  times,  by  softening  to  a  melting  word, 

He'd  damp  with  tears  the  heart's  affecting  chord. 

In  hill-surrounded  Frankfort,  where  the  wise 
Kentucky  sages  righteous  laws  devise, 
Glided  his  years  : — But  scarce  he'd  past  the  child, 
When  the  rude  scenery  of  nature  wild 
Gave  such  a  musing  habit  to  his  mind, 
That  oft  he'd  listen  to  the  mountain  wind 
To  hear  the  Spirit  of  the  storm  declare  90 

What  mighty  cause  produc'd  the  river  there  : 
If  that  a  ploughshare,  at  the  first  of  time, 
Drawn  by  an  earthquake,  breathing  fire  sublime, 
Turn'd  hills  aside  with  thunders  in  its  sweep, 
Scooping  the  rock  a  thousand  cubits  deep  ! 
Or  if  the  mountains,  when  the  streams  were  dry, 
Disparted  at  the  touch  of  Deity  ! 

These  chiefs,  the  solid  infantry  command, 
Whose  bosoms  yearn  against  the  foe  to  stand. 

Next  on  the  field  the  mounted  troops  convene,    100 
Their  hearts  impatient  for  the  martial  scene  ; 
Johnson  the  younger,*  nurtur'd  in  the  west, 
Holds  the  first  rule — who  oft  the  stranger  blest  ; 
He,  in  the  senate,  bade  the  nation  draw 
Th'  avenging  sword  to  wage  the  righteous  war  ; 
Though    he  had  lost  no  kindred  on  the  sea, 
By  Briton's  iron  hand  of  cruelty, 
Remote  from  ocean,  at  his  happy  seat  ; 
Yet,  his  heart  jealous,  for  his  country  beat  ; 

*  Col.  Richard  Mentor  Johnson. 


INVASION   OP   CANADA.  253 

And  when  the  groans  of  mariners  impress'd,  1 1-0 

With  every  gale  came  sighing  to  the  West, 
He  felt  in  every  groan,  as  though  he  heard 
A  brother's  voice,  him  succour  to  afford  : 
This,  in  the  nation's  councils,  nerv'd  his  tongue, 
And  gave  him  power  to  wield  the  falchion  strong. 

At  the  Blue  Fountain  he  receiv'd  his  birth, 
The  purest  spring  that  gushes  from  the  earth  ; 
Yea — pure  as  is  the  bow  of  summer  even  ; 
Clear  as  the  bosom  of  the  cloudless  heaven  ; 
When  thirsty  Sirius  drinks  the  western  floods,         120 
And  sears  with  parching  heat  the  drooping  woods, 
This  Spring,  upon  its  borders  damps  the  fire, 
And  keeps  the  foliage  in  its  green  attire. 

Full  many  a  wild-flower  blooms  upon  its  side, 
Leaning  its  odorous  bosom  o'er  the  tide 
To  gaze  its  beauty  in  the  wave  below  ; 
As  Eve  delighted  saw  her  breasts  of  snow, 
When  o'er  the  lake  she  bent  her  wondering  beam, 
To  view  her  mocking  image  in  the  stream. 

The  warrior  drank  of  this  inspiring  wave,  130 

Which  to  his  mind  a  clear  conception  gave  ; 
He  show'd  his  father's  daring  from  his  birth, 
Who  now  cold  slumbers  in  his  bed  of  earth, 
Where  Elkhorn  smooth,  like  molten  silver  flows, 
With  sweet-brier  perfum'd  and  the  breathing  rose. 

The  chief,  exalted  on  his  charger  high, 
A  martial  kindling  flashes  from  his  eye  ; 
His  light  plume  nods  like  dancing  in  the  wind, 
And  bends  elastick  o'er  his  head  behind  ; 
Gentle  in  peace  as  setting  sun  of  even  ;  140 

In  war,  the  spirit  of  the  storm  in  heaven. 
22    VOL.  ii. 


254  PREDONIAD.       CANTO  XVIII. 

Champing  his  bit,  his  war-horse  paws  the  heath, 
Rolling  a  cloud  of  darkness  at  a  breath  ; 
His  breast  bears  thunder,  and  his  eye  the  flame, 
Which  burns  in  heaven,  when  tempests  shake  the 

frame  ; 

His  strength  is  ocean's  wave — his  speed  the  wind  ; 
His  courage  fire,  that  scorches  on  the  mind  ; 
He  snuffs  the  passing  breeze — exulting  bounds, 
When  for  the  charge  the  clanging  trumpet  sounds. 

His  heart's  choice  brother,*  next  commission  held, 
Whom  none  in  deeds  of  chivalry  excell'd  ;  151 

In  years,  his  senior — but  the  palm  of  birth 
He  yields,  which  proves  sublimity  of  worth  ; 
These  little  etiquettes  of  little  minds 
He  casts  indignant  to  the  scattering  winds  ; 
His  country's  welfare  is  the  guiding  light 
That  leads  him  forward  to  the  field  of  fight  : 
How,  in  what  station,  can  he  serve  her  best, 
The  only  trouble  that  concerns  his  breast.  159 

Payne,  Thompson,  Suggett,  next  in  order  stand, 
Rank'd  with  the  first  that  ever  drew  a  brand 
To  wield  against  a  foe.     But — Suggett,  he 
Had  touch'd  the  holy  things  of  Deity  ; 
But  now  in  panoply  severe  he  shines 
To  lead  to  fame  Kentucky's  chosen  lines. 

Ye  tongues  of  discord  !  mark  the  brilliant  sight, 
And  be  your  eyes  made  blinded  by  the  light ! 
Ye  madded  ministers,  who  preach  a  God, 
More  rank  than  hell — whose  luxury  is  blood  ! 

*  Col.  James  Johnson. 


INVASION  OP   CANADA.  255 

Look  at  the  contrast  !     See  him  fix'd  on  heaven,  170 
In  silent  prayer,  that  vict'ry  might  be  given  ; 
Whilst  Him,  your  country  ye  implore  to  sink  : 

"  God  !  in  thy  mercy,  give  them  blood  to  drink  !"* 

********* 

Ye  hypocrites  in  holy  things  !  how  dread 
Must  be  the  weight  suspended  o'er  your  head  ! 
Sackcloth  your  loins — pour  ashes  on  your  brow, 
And  bare  on  earth  your  knees  repentant  bow .; 
Or  your  rank  blasphemy  will  reach  to  hell, 
And  from  the  Book  of  Life  your  names  expel  ! 

Stucker  and  Berry,  powder'd  with  the  frost        1 80 
Of  wintry  years,  maintain  an  honoured  post ; 
Combs,  Redding,   Warfield,  Coleman,  Church  and 

Rice, 

Feeling  the  valour  of  invalu'd  price 
Their  fathers  paid  to  purchase  Liberty, 
Glimmer  in  steel, — with  whom  are  MacAfee — 
Elliston,  Chambers,  Davidson  the  bold — 
Nor  will  the  light  of  heaven  again  behold 
More  virtue  in  the  field — their  deeds  of  fame 
Will  find  an  immortality  of  name. 

But  what  fair  youths  are  those  on  chargers  grey, 
Whose  looks  outvie  the  mantling  blush  of  day  ? 

*  "  Those  western  states  which  have  been  so  violent  for  this 
abominable  war  of  murder — those  states,  which  have  thirsted  for 
blood,  God  has  given  them  blood  to  drink  I"— Rev.  Elijah  Parish, 
Byfield,  Mass. 


256  PEEDONIAD.      CANTO   XVIII. 

The  nephews*  of  the  chief:    Scarce  have  they  seen, 
In  floral  beauty,  summers  five  and  ten  ! 

Stay,  gentle  youths,  O  stay  !     My  soul  feels  pain 
To  mark  your  daring  on  the  martial  plain  ; 
O  think  what  tortures  will  your  father  feel, 
Should  your  fair  bosoms  warm  the  death-cold  steel  ! 
Return — I  fear  me  'twill  his  soul  unman, 
And  check  your  uncle  in  the  charging  van. 

Ah,  no — 'twill  mad  them  to  avenge  your  blood,  200 
The  green  earth  sprinkling  with  a  gory  flood  ! 

Press  on  to  glory  in  your  youthful  day, 
And  ye  shall  live,  (if  heaven  inspires  my  lay,) 
In  future  years  :  When  Peace  shall  bless  the  land, 
I'll  seek  for  you  the  softest,  loveliest  hand 
Of  all  the  maidens  round — their  cheeks  as  fair, 
As  angel  forms  that  float  on  silver  air  ; 
Their  eyes  express  divinity  of  love  ; 
The  light  of  beauty  shall  around  them  move  ! 

And  now  the  drums,  with  heavy  beat,  proclaim  210 
The  time  of  movement  to  the  field  of  fame  ; 
The  shrill  fifes  whistle,  and  the  bugles  sound  ; 
The  horse  and  infantry  in  rank,  wheel  round  ; 
And  all  like  fiction  move  upon  the  ground  ; 
Johnson  directs  the  van  with  native  fire, 
To  seek  the  foe — to  conquer  or  expire  ; 
Their  light  arms  sparkle  with  the  beams  of  day, 
As  on  they  pass  in  glittering  files  away. 
So  while  young  zephyrs,  with  gay  sportings,  lave 
Their  wanton  pinions  in  Ohio's  wave,  220 

*  Sons  of  Col.  James  Johnson. 


INVASION   OP    CANADA.  257 


From  heaven's  gold  orb,  majestick  in  its  height, 
Rains  down  a  lucid  shower  of  spangling  light  ; 
The  rippling  stream,  like  beauty  in  a  dance, 
Makes  the  live  sunbeams  from  the  waters  glance  ; 
The  flood  all  brilliant  with  innumerous  rays, 
Looks  like  the  firmament  in  starry  blaze, 
Flashing  and  quivering  as  the  zephyrs  fling 
O'er  the  pure  crystalline  their  flickering  wing  ; 
On  silver  feet  Enchantment  moves  serene, 
And  Wonder  stands  delighted  at  the  scene. 

Thus  shine  their  burnish'd  arms  as  on  they  move, 
With  light  effulgent  from  the  orb  above. 

By  rapid  march  they  gain  the  distant  fort, 
Ere  the  first  gun  of  Perry  made  report  ; 
And  Croghan  with  his  band  had  join'd  the  sage  — 
A  name  to  live  till  earth's  remotest  age. 


But  soon  the  thunders  of  the  naval  war 
Tremendous  bellow  round  the  lake  afar  ; 
With  throbbing  hearts  the  patriots  anxious  wait, 
To  hear  the  battle  hush'd,  and  learn  their  fate.         240 

********* 

At  length,  exhausted,  —  silenc'd  is  the  jar  ; 
The  insects'  feeble  wings  are  heard  in  air  ; 
At  once,  so  calm  the  unraov'd  element, 
As  though  the  very  breath  of  heaven  were  spent  ; 
Each  breast  now  beats  with  hope,  —  and  now,  with  fear  ; 
They  long  to  know,  —  yet  dreaded  they  to  hear 
What  banner  wav'd  rejoicing  in  the  sky, 
Or  which  had  sunk  in  darkness  mournfully. 
22*    VOL.  ii. 


258  PREDONIAD.      CANTO    XVIII. 

So  Emmett,  when  arraign'd  at  tyrant's  bar, 
For  whispering  Freedom  through  the  land  afar,         250 
Stood,  while  his  peers  were  absent,  or  to  save, 
Or  shroud  his  virtues  in  a  murderous  grave  ; 
Hope  for  a  moment  brighten'd  on  his  view, 
Then  fear  returned,  and  dark  the  picture  drew. 

Or  as  a  bride,  scarce  wedded  for  a  day, 
When,  lo,  her  lover  is  compell'd  away, 
(By  Albion  press'd)  to  battle    on  the  flood, 
Leaving  her  soul  all  dark  in  widowhood  ; 
For  many  months  she  pours  unceasing  wail  ; 
To  every  stranger  tells  her  pitying  tale  ;  260 

Her  eyes  grow  languid — and  a  swift  decay 
Seizes  her  frame,  and  takes  her  bloom  away  ; 
At  length,  the  post — to  whom  'tis  frequent  given 
To  bring  us  grief,  or  tidings  sweet  as  heaven — 
Drops  her  a  packet  from  the  ship  that  bore 
Her  heart's  affection  from  his  native  shore  ! 
Convuls'd  sensations  in  her  soul  she  feels  ; 
She  longs  to  hear — yet  fears  to  break  the  seals  ; 
Perhaps  in  fever  of  the  tropick  clime, 
Calling  her  name,  he  sunk  away  from  time  ;  270 

Perhaps,  he  lives — yet  prison'd  by  the  foe  ; 
Perhaps,  his  heart  stopp'd  beating  at  a  blow  ; 
Though  this,  she  fears,  is  written  in  the  leaf, 
Yet  still  sweet  hope  will  mingle  with  her  grief. 

Thus  hope  and  fear  convulse  the  patriots'  breast, 
Like  clouds  and  sunshine  changing  in  the  west. 

The  sun  has  set — still  nothing  is  there  heard, 
If  Perry  held,  or  yielded  up  his  sword  ; 


INVASION    OP   CANADA.  259 

Darkness  has  clos'd  upon  its  farewell  light, 

Yet,  in  uncertainty  remains  the  fight.  280 

They  listen  to  the  rustling  leaves — the  wind — 

To  hear  of  something  to  relieve  the  mind. 

At  length,  with  momentary  hope  and  fear, 
They  catch  the  tramping  of  a  horseman  near  ; 
Claxton  approaches  ! — which  at  once  declares 
Whose  flag  the  honour  of  the  triumph  bears  : 

"  Victory  !  Victory  !"     He  could  no  more, 
So  loud  the  shouting  through  the  concave  tore. 

As  when  in  storm,  a  wintry  blast  drives  forth  ; 
Roars  in  the  mountain — snaps  the  oak  to  earth  ;       290 
Stoops  the  tall  pine  submissive  to  the  plain  ; 
Breaks  the  proud  ash,  and  shivers  it  amain  ; 
Stirs  the  deep  ocean,  where  its  rocks  are  bas'd, 
And  rolls  the  billows  o'er  the  foaming  waste  ; 

With  equal  turbulence  their  shouts  broke  forth, 
Which  smote  the  heavens,  and  echo'd  back  to  earth. 

Shelby  unruffled  waves  a  silent  sword  ; 
The  shouting  ceases  at  the  signal  word, 
That  Claxton  might  proceed  :  t;  Our  vessels  lay 
With  those  of  Barclay,  at  Sandusky  Bay.  300 

"  At  dawn,  am  I  instructed  to  declare, 
That  to  Miami  will  our  ships  repair, 
To  sail  the  troops  upon  the  adverse  shore, 
To  measure  arms  with  Proctor's  ruffian  power.'' 

Shelby  exclaim'd  :  "  For  glorious  vict'ry  given, 
Full  from  the  heart  we  bless  a  favouring  heaven  ! 

"  To  Perry  bear  my  gratitude  and  praise  ; 
Wreath'd  are  his  temples  with  the  deathless  bays  ; 
Yea — for  this  deed,  his  name  will  ever  live  ; 
And  immortality  the  brave  receive.  310 


260  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XVJII. 

The  Sister  Isles,  in  history  renown'd, 
Will  be  remember'd  as  celestial  ground  ; 
Yea — such  will  be  their  reverence  in  years, 
The  very  sight  will  bring  the  soul  to  tears  ! 

"  This  to  the  hero  of  the  lake  convey, 
That,  glad  I'll  meet  him  on  the  coming  day 
T'  embark  th'  impatient  army  in  his  fleet, 
That  we  the  foe  decisive  may  defeat." 

Claxton  treasures  his  sentiments — retires 
Back  to  Sandusky  by  the  starry  fires.  320 

The  meantime  Perry,  melting  at  his  heart, 
By  soothing  voice  made  blunt  the  pointed  dart, 
That  pierc'd  the  captive  breast  : — His  tongue's  soft 

sound 
Was  healing  balsam  for  each  burning  wound. 

And  now,  the  dust  of  fallen  heroes  dead — 
To  heaven,  Elijah-like,  their  Spirits  fled  — 
In  holy  earth  is  laid — while  many  a  sigh 
Rolls  from  the  brave — tears  trickling  from  their  eye. 

Bosom  to  bosom,  Laub  and  Brooks  are  plac'd, 
Like  brothers  met,  and  in  their  love  embrac'd  ;         330 
On  either  hand,  Buchan  and  Finnis  soft 
Slumber  in  rest — their  souls  were  launch'd  aloft  ; 
Rich  from  their  graves  an  equal  fame  ascends, 
For  Death  impartial  makes  the  valiant  friends. 

Morning,  at  length,  with  coral  blush  comes  forth  ; 
The  dancing  dew-drops  glitter  on  the  earth  ; 
Soft  as  the  light  illuminates  the  east, 
The  world  is  spread  like  a  delicious  feast 


INVASION    OP    CANADA.  26l 

Before  th'  enraptur'd  eye,  which,  more  it  feeds 

On  nature's  banquet,  more  its  hunger  needs.  340 

Claxton,  from  fort  returning,  Perry  seeks, — 
The  veteran's  answer  to  his  ear  he  speaks  : 

"  The  heart  of  Shelby  flows  to  you  in  praise, 
That  round  thy  temples  thou  hast  twin'd  the  bays  ; 
Lo,  as  he  bade  me  utter  this  reply, 
A  grateful  tear  was  trickling  from  his  eye. 

"  He,  at  Miami,  will  the  navy  meet, 
To  bring  the  strength  of  Proctor  at  his  feet." 

Perry  the  sailing  order'd :  "  Anchors  weigh  ! 
Direct  the  compass  for  Miami's  bay  !"  350 

The  fleets  are  loosen'd  at  the  word  : — combin'd, 
They  cleave  the  waters  with  a  favouring  wind. 

When  day  in  heaven  reveal'd  its  earliest  sign, 
The  army   form'd  in  solid  discipline  ; 
To  whom  the  aged  thus  :  "  Behold,  the  morn 
At  length  shines  forth  to  cause  the  heart  to  burn  ; 
With  soul  unbending,  long  have  ye  withstood 
Th'  invading  foe — and  frequent  with  his  blood 
Sprinkled  the  field  ! — Oft  from  your  presence  fled 
His  boasted  veterans — leaving  you  his  dead  ;  360 

Methinks  in  every  eye  proud  Freedom  shows, 
And  that  will  conquer  when  in  fight  we  close. 

"  Croghan,  my  youngest  son,  with  infant  band, 
Scatter'd  their  ranks  and  drove  them  from  the  land  ; 
As  long  as  courage  warms  a  hero's  breast, 
So  long  will  Fame  delight  to  make  him  blest. 

"  Perry  hath  met  them  on  their  own  domain, 
And  there,  with  feebler  force,  their  boastings  slain  j 


262  FREDONIAD.       CANTO    XVIII. 

When  lakes  shall  dry  and  rivers  cease  to  flow, 

And  ocean  hide  itself  in  realms  below,  370 

Then,  may  his  name  be  never  heard  of  more  ; 

Lost  and  forgot,  when  waters  cease  to  roar. 

"  Time  fails  t'  enlarge  upon  his  merits  due, 
Or  speak  the  burning  valour  of  his  crew  ; 
The  hours  are  on  the  wing  ! — we  forth  must  hie 
To  seek  the  field — the  mind  to  satisfy. 

"  Divide  in  marching  files  !     Drums,  musick,  beat ! 
Forward !" 

They  move  impassion'd  with  his  heat. 

Th'  enliv'ning  echo  of  the  drum  and  fife 
Makes  the  blood  nimble  for  the  promis'd  strife  ;        380 
Shrill  through  the  air  the  brazen  trumps  rebound, 
The  answering  bugles  twang  with  clangorous  sound  ; 
The  sportive  sunbeams  on  the  armour  light, 
From  thence  return  in  beauty  to  the  sight  ; 
The  new-born  zephyrs  in  the  streamers  play, 
Kiss  the  soft  silk,  and  wave  them  into  day  ; 
Slow  as  the  army  winds  the  distant  hill, 
The  notes  of  musick  change  from  hoarse  to  shrill, 
Sweetening  the  gale — th'  advancement  turns  the  brow, 
The  thickening  notes  with  heavy  lumbering  flow.      390 
Now,  the  fil'd  warriors  as  they  climb  the  height, 
Crowd  into  view — then  sink  below  the  sight  ; 
Their  plumes  like  live  things  in  their  dancing  seem  ; 
They  flickering  vanish — and  their  bayonets  gleam  ; 
A  moment  yet  their  banners  waving  fly  ; 
But  soon  they  sinking  flutter  from  the  eye  ; 
Still,  at  far  distance,  we  the  bugles  hear, 
And  the  drums'  rumble  sounding  on  the  ear  ; 


INVASION   OF    CANADA.  263 

At  times,  the  notes  are  heard — but  now,  the  gale 
Bears  them  away,  and  they  forever  fail.  400 

When  Barclay  sail'd,  the  Britons  gave  to  joy 
Their  hearts — late  broken  by  the  dauntless  boy  ;* 
They  heard  the  battle,  but  no  doubts  had  they, 
But  Perry  had  resign'd  th'  unequal  fray  ; 
In  various  feats  they  pass'd  away  the  night  ; 
But  lo,  ere  dawn,  they  learnt  their  conquered  plight. 

Thus  when  in  haughty  Babylon  of  yore, 
While  Cyrus  stood  before  her  gates  with  power, 
Her  sons  with  luxury  drunk  laugh'd  him  to  scorn, 
Reckless  their  city  would  be  rent  ere  morn  ;          410 
With  wine  and  feasting,  passing  off  the  night  ; 
Musick  .and  dancing  yielding  them  delight  ; 
Amid  their  re  veilings  bursted  in  their  foe, 
Which  reel'd  their  brains  with  a  distracted  wo  ! 

Like  this,  at  Maiden,  were  the  royal  band, 
When  Perry's  triumph  thunder'd  round  the  land  ; 
A  wild  delirium  fasten'd  on  their  brain  ; 
The  thought  of  Shelby  shrivell'd  every  vein  ; 
And  Harrison,  the  Johnsons,  fierce  in  war, 

Curdled  their  blood  and  bound  them  in  their  awe.  420 

*##**#### 

When  Proctor  felt   his  icy  veins  to  thaw, 
His  steed  he  mounted,  urgent  to  withdraw  : 

"  Retreat  !  fly  Maiden  !  scatter  to  the  Thames  ! 
But  stay — the  whole  first  desolate  with  flames  ; 
We  creep — we  crawl  !  the  kindled  torches  ply  ! 
Methinks  I  see  them  on  the  waters  nigh  ! 

*  Crogiian. 


264 


FUEDONlAD.       CANTO  XVIII. 


Remote,  can  I  discern  a  press  of  sail  ; 
And  feel  you  not  a  freshness  in  the  gale  ? 
Mark,  how  they  crowd,  successive  o'er  the  lake ! 

Death  glimmers  on  their  flag  ! 

"  Not  possible  mistake  ! 

Loose  clouds  of  morning  mock'd  me  with  the  show  ; 
They  may  be  sails — perhaps  it  is  the  foe  !  432 

Consume  the  magazines  without  delay  ; 
And  then  for  safety  to  the  Thames  away  !" 

Ere  he  had  clos'd,  forth  rush'd  the  regal  bands, 
And  touch'd,  and  kindled  with  the  lighted  brands 
The  whole  in  blaze, — disorder'd  they  retire, 
While  the  flames  mounting  on  the  winds  aspire  ; 
The  females  shriek — th'  affrighted  children  cry, 
To  see  the  sparkles  flash  along  the  sky.  440 

Air,  smoke,  and  flame,  a  dire  confliction  make  ; 
The  same,  reflected,  glitters  in  the  lake  ; 
Mad  through  the  element  the  fires  are  driven, 
The  whirling  cinders  wage  rude  war  with  heaven. 

The  time  the  sun  stood  centred  in  mid  day, 
The  patriot  army  reach'd  the  destin'd  bay ; 
The  navy  soon  the  eastern  point  wore  round  ; 
Three  greeting  shouts  from  infantry  rebound  ! 
Instant  the  mariners  their  joys  repeat, 
And  high  in  heaven  their  welcome  voices  meet.       450 

"  Proud  to  the  navy,  let  the  guns  salute  !" 
Shelby  commanded  : — every  tongue  was  mute. 

Thirteen  brass  thunders  speak  to  Perry's  name, 
His  brilliant  triumph  o'er  the  lake  proclaim  ; 
Amid  th'  inspiring  sound  the  vessels  moor — 
Quick  skims  the  yawl  with  Perry  to  the  shore  ; 


INVASION    OF    CANADA. 

The  veteran  hurries  to  the  beach,  and  stands 

Dismounted — as  the  youthful  hero  lands  ; 

As  eager  they  approach,  their  hearts  beat  high, 

A  crystal  tear-drop  glistens  in  their  eye  ;  460 

With  motion  tremulous,  their  hands  they  join, 

Lock'd  in  embrace,  impassion'd  like  divine. 

Thus  to  exalt  his  character  in  war, 
A  youth  forsakes  his  home  and  parent's  care, 
By  shivering  marches  in  the  frigid  zone  ; 
Fording  mud  rivers  ;  fainting  in  the  sun  ; 
Sleeping  untented  in  the  pitiless  night; 
His  features  shrunk  with  starving  appetite  ; 
Pouring  his  blood  while  entering  through  the  breach, 
He  gains  the  summit  of  a  warrior's  reach  ;  470 

His  country  hails  him  with  the  shout  of  praise, 
And  the  rapt  poet  pours  to  him  hir  lays. 
When  thus  encircled  with  his  fame,  as  light, 
Home  he  returns  to  glad  his  father's  sight  ; 
Silent  they  meet — breast  riveted  to  breast, 
Feeling  a  joy  that  never  was  express'd. 

So  stood  the  veteran  and  the  seaman  young, 
Lock'd  in  embrace,  while  passion  chain'd  each  tongue. 

At  length  the  aged  thus  :  "  Thy  deeds  of  light 
Exceed  the  power  of  language  to  recite  ;  480 

High  at  the  summit  mark  begins  thy  praise  ; 
On  thy  great  name  futurity  will  gaze  ; 
It  gives  me  joy,  ere  I  the  grave-path  tread, 
To  see  young  valour  blooming  o'er  my  head." 

"  I've  but  the  service  of  my  country  done," 
Thus  Perry,  modest,  in  his  turn  begun  : 
23    VOL,  n. 


266  FREDONIAD.       CANTO   XVIII. 

"  I,  to  my  crew,  your  praises  must  transfer, 
'Twas  they  that  prov'd  the  nation's  character. 

"  We'll  let  the  subject  for  the  present  pass  ; 
Indulgent  heaven  gave  victory  as  it  was.  490 

"  Brief  to  my  mariners,  I  gave  command 
To  bear  the  crowded  Britons  to  the  land  ; 
Their  numbers  even  now  surpass  our  own, 
Exclusive  those  that  with  their  anguish  groan  ; 
These,  in  pavilions  ample,  will  receive 
Attentions  from  those  hands  that  blessings  give." 

Scarce  had  he  finish'd,  when  the  barges  bore 
The  maim'd  and  numerous  captives  to  the  shore. 

"  Your  kind  solicitudes  of  heart  proclaim 
Your  bosom  worthy  to  receive  its  fame  ;  500 

It  proves  a  nobleness  of  soul  to  feel 
For  those  who  suffer  from  the  wounding  steel." 

While  they  this  converse  held,  the  barges  gain'd 
The  shore — some  lost  to  sense,  and  some   with   fevers 
pain'd. 

Shelby  to  Croghan  :  "  Soft — with  generous  care 
To  roomy  tents  the  fainting  sufferers  bear  ; — 
Miller,  the  others  to  the  fort  convey, 
There  to  remain  till  the  redeeming  day." 

This,  with  a  ready  promptness  is  obey'd ; 
The  maim'd  in  tents  on  pallets  soft  are  laid  ;          510 
The  others,  Miller  marshals  in  a  file  ; 
And  soon  their  brows  he  lightens  with  a  smile  ; 
By  soft-ton'd  musick  and  by  soothing  arts, 
He  draws  the  festering  anguish  from  their  hearts  ; 
A  grateful  tear  is  seen  in  many  an  eye, 
For  each  expected  hard  severity. 


INVASION   OF    CANADA.  267  ~ 

The  meantime  Shelby  had  his  post  restim'd, 
And  thus  with  glowing  sentiments  illum'd 
The  bosoms  of  the  brave  :  "  Warriors  !  at  length, 
The  hour  approaches  to  attest  your  strength  ;         520 
Brief  is  the  passage  to  the  hostile  shore  ; 
And  lo,  a  conquering  fleet  conveys  us  o'er  ! 
A  conquering  fleet  ! — how  ominous  the  word  ! 
A  conquering  army  will  unsheath  its  sword  ! 
How  vain  is  language  to  excite  your  souls  ; 
Warm  through  each  breast  a  tide  of  valour  rolls. 

"  What  though  my  cheeks  the  spoils  of  time  declare, 
My  strength  returns,  like  youth,  the  sword  to  bare, ; 
Avenging  justice  approbates  the  cause, 
Wag'd  to  maintain  our  liberty  and  laws.  530 

"  O  kneel  your  souls  to  heaven  and  make  the  vow, 
Never  a  joint  on  battle-field  to  bow  ; 
Never  this  lake  shall  bear  my  body  o'er, 

Till,  or  we  die,  or  overcome  their  power  !" 

********* 

Deep  was  the  pause.  At  length,  this  shout  arose  : 
"  Loud  plead  our  hearts,  with  savage  ranks  to  close  ! 
By  the  best  drops  that  swell  our  veins,  we  swear, 

To  win  the  fight,  or  leave  our  bodies  there  !" 

********* 

"  I  glory  to  behold  the  native  fire 
Burn  in  your  bosoms — prompting  your  desire.         540 

"  But  mark  the  fleet  is  waiting  !     Forth  repair 
And  crowd  the  decks  and  prove  the  souls  ye  are  !" 

With  hearts  high  beating,  they  receiv'd  the  word— 
Sunder'd  their  ranks  to  pass  the  fleet  on  board  ; 


268  FRKDONIAD.       CANTO    XVIII. 

Perry  conducts  the  veteran  Shelby  forth ; 

The  barge   that  bears  them,  weighted  with  their 

worth, 
Deep  settles  in  the  wave.     The  Johnsons  leave  the 

shore 

With  sounding  bugles,  confident  of  power  ; 
Next,  with  artillery,  Wood— and  then  Desha  ; 
Then  Symral's  squadrons  launch  into  the  bay  ;         550 
Chyle,  Barry,  Crittenden,  and  Trotter,  King ; 
Croghan,  Harrison,  the  rear  barge  honouring. 

Now  Perry's  standard  from  Niagara  flies, 
That  the  bent  fastenings  from  the  sand  should  rise  j 
The  seaboys  mark  the  signal — anchors  weigh  j 
Slow  winds  the  freighted  navy  from  the  bay  ; 
The  sheets  like  clouds  expand  before  the  breeze  ; 
Smooth  glide  the  vessels  o'er  the  silver  seas  ; 
The  waters  seem  with  pride  to  bear  the  line, 
Such  bright  reflections  in  the  mirror  shine  560 

Of  starry  banners  waving — helmets,  plumes, 
And  burnish'd  armour,  which  the  sun  illumes. 

The  sportive  fishes  in  the  wave  below, 
With  wondering  eyes  behold  the  beauteous  show  ; 
Eager  they  dart  to  catch  the  shades  that  move, 
Mocking  the  fleet  that  swims  with  joy  above  ; 
Then  leap  to  taste  the  air  in  antick  play, 
Wild,  like  the  sportings  of  a  holiday. 

The  sea-lads  plac'd  upon  the  mast  on  high, 
Distant,  a  promise  of  the  land  descry  ;  570 

Like  a  faint  cloud,  where  earth  and  sky  unite, 
Hard  to  discern  by  those  of  practis'd  sight  ; 
By  small  degrees,  it  grows  upon  the  view  j 
Its  colour  changes  from  a  gray  to  blue  ; 


INVASION    OF    CANADA. 


269 


As  glad  the  squadron  gains  upon  it  near, 
Unequal  ridges  more  distinct  appear  ; 
Soon  mark  the  crew  the  ruins, — where  arise 
The  sluggish  smoke,  that  rolls  along  the  skies. 

At  length,  the  navy  enters  in  the  bay  ; 
The  biting  anchors  grapple  to  the  clay.  580 

A  signal  cannon  from  Niagara  comes, 
Which,  with  loud  peal,  is  answer'd  by  the  drums  ; 
Notice  to  land.     The  notice  is  obey'd  ; 
And  soon  the  whole  are  on  the  beach  array'd. 

"  Behold,  we've  landed  !"     Harrison  exclaims  : 
But  not  like  Hull  to  infamy  our  names  ; 
This,  this  the  crisis,  that  demands  the  soul 
To  stand  sublime,  defying  death's  control ; 
Should  this,  our  effort  fail — our  cause  is  done  ; 
The  sands  of  Freedom  are  forever  run  ;  590 

The  bow  is  bent,  and  should  the  arrow  fly 
Without  effect — farewell  to  Liberty  !" 

When  Maiden's  timid  fair  beheld  the  fleet, 
Their  hearts  sunk  in  them  with  a  trembling  beat  ; 
The  sad-forsaken  matrons  wrung  their  hands, 
Fearing  their  death  from  the  Kentuckian  bands  ; 
Proctor  had  tojd,  that  riot  was  their  aim, 
And  reckless  murder  did  their  hearts  inflame. 

Lo,  when  the  columns  form'd  upon  the  shore, 
Their  shrieks  ascended,  freezing  every  pore  ;  600 

With  shoeless  feet — heads  naked  to  the  wind, 
They  ran  together  with  disorder'd  mind  ; 
A  pale  destruction  glar'd  from  every  face  ; 
Their  bosom  child  they  gave  its  last  embrace. 
23*    VOL.  ii. 


270  PREDONIAD.       CANTO  XVIH. 

Soon  Shelby  heard  their  heart-appalling  cries  ; 
To  learn  the  cause,  he  stood  in  his  surprise  ; 
They  come — they  close  him  round — in  dust  they  fall, 
And  loud  for  mercy,  in  their  tears  they  call  : 
"  Protect — O  save — defend  us  in  our  life  ! 
Save  us,  in  mercy,  from  the  reeking  knife  !  6 10 

If  thou  art  callous  to  our  weeping  eyes, 
O  melt  thy  bosom  to  our  infants'  cries  ! 
Our  hands  were  never  rais'd  against  thy  power  ; 
O  save — and  blessings  on  thy  head  will  shower  ! 

"  If  nothing — nothing  will  suffice  save  blood — 
Or  if  our  flesh  must  be  to  thee  as  food  ! 
We  yield  ourselves  to  death — but  save — O  save 
Our  tender  offspring  from  unsightly  grave  ! 
O  let  our  babes  in  innocence  remain  ! 
Defend  our  virgins  from  pollution's  stain  !"  620 

While  thus,  with  bitterness,  they  plead  their  suit, 
The  veteran's  tongue  was  chain'd  in  wonder  mute  ; 
A  tear  involuntary  bath'd  his  eye  ; 
His  every  word  is  burden'd  with  a  sigh  : 

"  Whence  did  this  frenzy  in  your  brains  arise  1 
These  are  mad  fictions — not  realities  ; 
We  know  no  other  than  to  guard  the  fair  ; 
Hence,  dry  your  tears,  and  calm  this  wild  despair." 
They  thought   him  false  :   "  O  wherefore  do  you 

strive, 

With  proffer'd  hopes  a  keener  pang  to  give  ?  630 

The  ice-cold  grave  turns  every  blood-vein  chill  ; 
You  speak  of  peace  more  sharp  our  life  to  kill  ! 
Why  do  you  mock  us  with  delusive  dreams  1 
Thy  joy  is  blood  to  gush  away  in  streams  ! 


INVASION    OP    CANADA.  271 

"  And  did  not  Proctor  in  his  grief  express, 
That  ye  did  murder  with  a  greediness  ! 
That  you,  Kentuckians,  from  the  parent's  knees, 
The  smiling  infant  like  the  savage  seize, 
And  dash  its  throbbing  brains  upon  the  hearth  ; 
The  spotless  virgin  of  her  beauty  scath,  640 

Then,  search  her  breast  with  fire  " 

"  Good  heaven  !  refrain, — > 
Suppress  this  burning  frenzy  of  the  brain  ! 

"  O  Slander  !    what  art  thou  ?  thou  second  death  ! 
Thy  look  is  hell  ! — corruption  is  thy  breath  ! 
The  tyger  kills  to  fatten  on  his  prey, 
His  hunger  pleads  to  suck  his  blood  away  ; 
The  dark  assassin,  at  the  midnight  hour, 
Stabs  to  the  heart  to  gain  a  rival's  power  ; 
The  highway  robber,  with  a  felon's  stealth, 
Murders  his  brother  to  acquire  his  wealth  ;  650 

But  Slander — venom'd  Slander  !  when  that  we 
Compare  a  tyger  to  a  form  like  thee  ; 
Or  the  assassin,  at  the  midnight  bed  ; 
Or  robber,  plundering  of  the  grey-hair'd  dead, 
Bright  is  their  aspect — yea — as  heaven  above 
Outmeasures  earth,  where  these  fell  monsters  move  ! 

"  Our  spotless  name  is  all  ;  the  rest  may  fly, 
As  gossamer,  that  floats  on  vacancy  ; 
Come,  starving  Poverty  !  come,  cruel  Death  ! 
We'll  smile  upon  you  in  your  grinning  teeth  !         660 
But  Slander, — thou  dost  eat  upon  our  heart 
With  viper's  tooth,  which  poisons  every  part  ! 

"  Proctor,  O  why 


272  FREOONIAD.      CANTO   XVIII. 

"  My  thoughts  of  him  no  more, 

Or,  for  these  scalding  tears,  will  fall  big  drops  of  gore  ! 

********* 

"  Deluded  matrons  !  to  your  homes  return  ; 
Nor  for  yourselves  or  tender  offspring  mourn  ; 
You've  been  deceiv'd  by  Slander's  scorpion  tongue  ; 
Kentuckians  seek  no  foe,  but  tyrant  wrong  ; 
They  to  the  weak  are  a  protecting  shield, 
For  which  their  bosoms  holy  luxuries  yield."  670 

The  veteran  spoke.     A  something  from  his  eye 
Darted  conviction  with  solemnity  ; 
It  cast  away  their  fear,  which  like  a  cloud, 
Had  dark'd  their  peace,  and  rais'd  their  anguish  loud  ; 
Tears  gush  in  floods — but  not  the  tears  of  wo  ; 
A  tide  of  joy  streams  down  their  cheeks  of  snow  ! 

Thus  Clark,  the  western  Hannibal, — alone 
Had  left  his  wife — upon  the  Wabash  gone 
To  beat  the  savage  back  to  Erie's  shore, 
Who  late  had  steep'd  their  cruel  hands  in  gore  : 
Whilst  widow'd  thus — lo,  Rumour  fills  her  ear, 
That  in  death's  ambush,  all  her  soul  held  dear 
Was  mix'd  with  earth  !     Her  cries  of  grief  ascend, 
Mourning  her  children's  father  and  her  friend  ; 
Raising  to  pitying  heaven  her  weeping  eye, 
Whom  does  it  glance  upon  1 — her  husband  nigh  ! 
Louder  she  screams  !     In  giddy  transport  blest, 
She  leaps  convulsive  on  his  throbbing  breast ! 

So  when  the  matrons  were  to  hope  restor'd, 
Thus  swell'd   their  voices — thus  their  tear-drops 

pour'd.  C90 

They  ravish'd  kisses  to  their  offspring  give, 
As  though  they  late  had  died,  but  now  they  live  ! 


INVASION    OP    CANADA.  273 

They  turn  reluctant  with  a  side-long  gaze, 
And  as  they  turn,  they  utter  Shelby's  praise  : 

"  May  righteous  heaven  pour  gladness  on  his  soul, 
Till  the  last  pulse  of  ebbing  life  shall  roll  !" 

Thus,  as  they  pass'd,  they  hail'd  him  on  the  way, 
And  gave  a  kneeling  blessing  to  the  day. 

Meantime  the  troops  had  their  pavilions  spread, 
And  each  had  wrapp'd  him  in  his  fleecy  bed  ;         700 
Spent  with  their  march  in  hurrying  to  the  flood, 
Serene  they  slumber  in  a  weary  mood. 

No  busy  voices  round  the  camp  are  heard  ; 
No  sound — save  footsteps  of  the  passing  guard  ; 
The  stars  arc  silent  on  their  thrones  of  gold, 
While  the  new  moon,  most  lovely  to  behold, 
Reveals  her  crescent,  where  the  shades  of  night 
And  day's  last  glimmerings  placidly  unite  ; 
Her  silver  horns  appear  like  angel's  wings, 
That  poise  his  feet,  when  through  the  air  he  flings  710 
His  flight  precipitate.     Descending  slow, 
Her  downward  horn  is  seen  no  longer  now  ; 
'Tis  hid  behind  a  rock — the  other  bright, 
Lingers  above  and  shows  upon  the  sight 
Like  something  that  is  heaven  !     Fast  it  recedes— 
It  fades — 'tis  gone  ! — but  yet,  a  holy  beam 
Reveals  the  spot  where  it  hath  kiss'd  the  stream. 

But  not  to  sleep  the  veteran  is  inclin'd  ; 
Anxious  command  drives  slumber  from  his  mind  ; 
He,  with  Adair,  whose  locks  were  touch'd  with  snow, 
Mounts  and  proceeds  along  th'  encampment  slow,  721 


274  FREDONIAD.       CANTO  XVIII. 

To  teach  his  office  to  the  soldier  young, 

And  probe  his  heart,  if  beats  his  valour  strong. 

They  hear  the  voice  of  sentinel — and  light  ; 
(The  horses  with  Adair.)     "  Who  comes  in  night?" 
"  Friend  !"  Shelby  answers.      "  Give  the  counter 
sign  !" 
"  Tecumseh."     "  Pass  in  silence  on  the  line." 

"  Pray  have  you  nothing  to  remove  this  damp  ? 
Keen  cuts  the  air  and  makes  my  sinews  cramp." 

"  Yes,  well  am  I  supplied.     My  arms  retain,     730 
Till  I  provide  a  remedy  from  pain, 
Which  Proctor  left  behind.     My  wish  is  all, 
That  I  could  meet  him  single  with  a  ball. 

"  You  pause  ! — none  richer  e'er  was  broach'd. 

You  start  !" 
Freely  I  give.     'Twill  animate  your  heart." 

"  Too  free  indeed.       Unarm'd,  your   strength 

have  I ! 

Were  all  like  thee,  how  soon  our  name  would  die  ! 
Were  I  in  character  some  artful  foe, 
I'd  every  purpose  of  the  army  know  !'' 

Thus  Shelby  :    Thus   the   guard  :    "  Stranger,  I 

fear,  740 

That  you  art  something  more  than  you  appear  ! 
But  from  my  heart,  far  distant  was  design 
To  lay  expos'd  a  section  of  the  line  ; 
I  hope  no  whisper  of  the  deed  you'll  bear 
To  Johnson,  Shelby,  Harrison,  Adair." 

The  chief  in  answer  with  reproof  began  : 
"  Nothing  I  doubt  your  virtue  as  a  man  ; 
But  what  is  courage,  or  a  well-meant  heart, 
If  we,  at  option,  from  the  rules  depart  1 


INVAR10N   OF    CANADA.  275 

Defeat  will  follow  and  a  death  surprise  ;  750 

The  best  intentions  never  will  suffice  ; 

The  mind  must  not  be  dreaming.     Take  your  arms, 

And  be  all  watchful  of  the  night  alarms  ; 

'Twould  the  best  feelings  of  the  General  wound, 

To  hear  a  sentry  was  from  duty  found  ; 

To  him,  or  them,  I  nothing  shall  recite, 

For  well  I  know  you'll  prove  yourself  in  fight." 

Back  he  withdrew  to  where  the  steeds  were  tied  ; 
They  mount — and  onward  on  their  purpose  ride. 

Soon  they  approach,  where  aged  Whitley  stands, 
His  locks  made  gray  by  fighting  savage  bands  ; 
With  ear  awake — eyes  lifted  to  the  brow  ; 
Along  the  line  he  paces  to  and  fro. 

Hearing  but  indistinct  the  horses'  tread  ; 
He  harks  attentive — turns  his  hoary  head  ; 
And,  at  the  instant,  sudden  to  his  ear, 
He  lifts  his  hand  to  catch  the  sound  more  clear, — 
His  foremost  finger  bent  to  wed  the  thumb, 
The  others  spread  and  rais'd  : — In  this  position  dumb, 
Listening  he  stands.     He  hails  them  :   "  Who  comes 

there  ?  770 

What  noise  of  tramping  hoofs  disturbs  the  air  V 

"  Friend  !"  was  the  answer.     "  Shelby's  friend 

or  foe, 
Dismount,  that  I  the  circumstance  may  know  !" 

"  Equal  to  Shelby's  character  is  mine, 
Hence,  mounted,  I'll  advance  and  give  the  sign." 

Whitley  rejoins  :   "  I,  reckless  of  your  grade — 
Down  without  pausing,  or  your  life  shall  fade  !" 


276  PREDONIAD.      CANTO  XVIII. 

The  general  then :  "  I'm  chief  upon  the  land  ; 
From  me  alone  the  field  receives  command  ; 
Yea,  Shelby,  I  am  he.     No  more  enquire  ;  780 

On  I  shall  pass,  and  do  as  I  desire." 

"  Stand  !     I  command  !     I'm  ignorant  of  a  man  !" 
As  Whitley  spoke,  he  op'd  the  snapping  pan  : 
"  For  you,  I  pause  not — general  or  a  saint, 
Down  from  your  charger,  or  your  life  shall  faint  ! 
I'm  general  here  ! — nor  dare  insult  my  post, 
Or  to  yon  cloud  in  heaven  shall  fly  your  ghost !" 

Shelby  believing  'twas  the  lock  he  sprung, 
His  steed  dismounted,  ere  he'd  still'd  his  tongue — 

And  gave  the  watchword 

"  Whitley  !-— is  it  you  ?     790 
My  old  companion  in  the  service  true  ! 
It  wakes  the  richest  feelings  of  my  breast, 
To  meet  an  ancient  warrior  of  the  West  ; 
It  brings  to  memory  those  days — no  more, 
When  back  we  drove  the  savage  from  the  shore  ; 
And  where  we  join'd  our  labours  in  the  fight, 
Till  dying  Ferguson  renounc'd  the  Height.* 

"  My  friend,  farewell !     And  should  we  meet  no 

more, 

But  die  with  honour  on  the  hostile  shore, 
We'll  join  our  hands  in  friendship's  holy  press  ;         800 
Our  snowy  locks  proclaim  our  failing  race." 

Thus  he  :  And  Whitley  thus  :  tc  I  came  to  die  ! 
But  all  I  ask — I  wish,  is  victory  ; 
I  came  prepar'd  to  sleep  upon  the  field  ; 
A  sleep  in  which  my  soul  with  smiles  will  yield  ; 

*  King's  Mountain. 


INVASION   OF    CANADA.  277 

Though  now  it  is  my  joy  to  find  my  death, 
Yet  first  their  blood  shall  flow  upon  the  heath  ! 

"  My  aged  wife,  I  leave  upon  thy  care, 
For  death  is  mine,  if  there  be  death  in  war  !" 

"  My  friend,  fear  not  protection  of  thy  wife,  810 

Should'st  thou  for  Freedom  render  up  thy  life, 
And  I  exempted  from  a  soldier's  bed 
To  sleep  in  glory  with  the  honour'd  dead. 
I'll  never  urge  thee  from  the  field  of  arms, 
For  well  I  know  the  battle  has  its  charms 
To  rouse  the  soul,  when  tyrants  aim  the  blow 
To  crush  our  liberties  in  dust  below. 

"  But  look,  the  evening  star  hath  sunk  in  heaven — 
Once  more  farewell  !     To  fame  shalt  thou  be  given." 

With  melting  hearts  their  trembling  hands   they 

join — 

Tears  moist  their  cheeks,  in  which  the  star-beams 
shine. 

Adair  beheld  their  meeting,  and  partook 
Of  every  sentiment  the  veterans  spoke  ; 
Bidding  adieu  to  Whitley  on  the  plain — 
Speechless  they  mount,  their  stations  to  regain, 
Where  soon  they  lose  life's  pleasure  and  its  pain. 


24    VOL.  ii. 


CANTO  XIX 


BATTLE  OF  THE  THAMES. 


ARGUMENT. 

The  Army  march  in  pursuit  of  the  Enemy.. ..Proctor  and  Tecum- 
seh....The  Battle....Au  Episode  between  Johnson  and  his  broth 
er.. ..Proctor  rescued  from  his  Pursuers.. ..The  Interment  at  the 
River  Raisin. 

The  scene  is  laid  at  Maiden,  on  the  Thames,  and  at  the  River  Rai 
sin. ...The  time  is  eleven  davs. 


FREDONIAD. 


CANTO  XIX. 


THE  stars  in  beauty  travelling  to  the  west, 
Soon  wear  away  the  dewy  hours  of  rest ; 
The  lids  of  morning  waken  and  behold 
The  jewell'd  earth — with  curtains  fring'd  with  gold. 

The  early  drummers  as  the  day  appears, 
Join'd  with  the  fife,  give  musick  to  the  spheres  ; 
The  warriors  hear  the  animating  beat, 
And,  rous'd  from  slumber,  bound  upon  their  feet  ; 
Shoulder  to  shoulder  solid  they  unite, 
To  hear  the  words  that  Shelby  would  recite,  10 

Who  forth  advanc'd,  and  these  instructions  gave  : 

"  Kentuckians  !  chivalrous,  in  battle  brave  ! 
To  search  the  foe  we've  overcome  the  flood  ; 
Now  testify  the  richness  of  your  blood; 
They  fled  at  rumour  whispering  your  advance  ; 
Yea — ere  they  caught  the  anger  of  your  glance  : 
But  we  must  press  them  with  unwearied  might, 
Or  they'll  outstrip  us  and  avoid  the  fight  ; 
To  climb  the  craggy  steep  of  fame  is  hard, 
But  what  of  earth  can  equal  the  reward  ?  20 

24*    VOL.  ii. 


283  FREDONIAD.      CANTO    XIX. 

Their  fears  will  be  as  wings  to  their  retreat  ; 
Hence  we,  as  eagles,  must  pursue  with  heat  ; 
Privations,  labour,  must  our  souls  despise, 
Or  never  we  our  names  eternalize. 

"  Johnson,  lead  forth  your  iron-bosom'd  men  ; 
The  horse  count  off,  and  march  in  files  of  ten. 
Wood,  in  the  centre,  thy  artillery  form, 
Whose  organ  notes  will  tune  the  thunder  storm. 
Chyle,  Henry,  Trotter,  Symral,  King,  Desha, 
The  thick -set  infantry  in  line  display."  30 

The  drums  strike  life  with  spirit-giving  sound  ; 
With  nerves  in  thrill  the  troops  forsake  the  ground  ; 
Beating  with  rapid  feet  the  dusty  road, 
They  move  like  darkness  borne  upon  a  cloud. 

The  time  the  royals  with  the  savage  fled, 
The  guilt  of  Proctor  fill'd  his  soul  with  dread -5 
Oft  as  he  deign'd  to  cast  a  look  behind, 
The  freedom  flag  was  imaged  in  his  mind. 

Thus  a  fell  outlaw  on  a  wizard  plain, 
With  hand  made  crimson  in  a  victim  slain,  40 

Flies  with  distraction  to  escape  the  cord, 
While  prosecuting  Justice  writes  the  word 
Deep  on  his  heart  !     He  stops  and  lifts  his  hands, 
Dropping  with  murder  ! — dumb,  he  barkening  stands 
To  catch  the  passing  sound — the  waving  wood 
Dampens  his  soul,  and  curdles  up  his  blood  ; 
A  ruin'd  tree  rent  by  the  whirlwind's  breath, 
He  apprehends  a  minister  of  death, 
Ready  to  seize  and  stifle  in  his  life, 
Or  search  his  being  with  the  lifted  knife  ;  50 


BATTLE  OF  THE  THAMES.          283 

He  wheels — but  other  objects  fright  his  eyes  ; 
From  his  own  shadow  he  despairing  flies. 

So  Proctor's  deeds  of  blood  distract  his  brain  ; 
His  reeling  mind  whirls  dizzy  on  the  plain. 

Their  fleet's  surrender  round  the  land  had  rung, 
Which  rous'd  the  Albions,  with  ambition  stung  ; 
Crimson  battalions,  like  red  moving  flames, 
By  Evans  rul'd,  collected  on  the  Thames  ; 
Baubee,  an  equal  host,  and  Warburton, 
Who,  oft  in  Europe  had  the  battle  won.  60 

These,  in  collection  at  Moravia,  meet, 
Proctor  to  rescue  from  a  swift  defeat. 

Them,  at  a  distance,  Proctor  through  the  wood 
Beheld — which  all  his  energies  subdu'd. 
He  wheel'd  to  push  his  flight — so  false  his  eyes, 
His  friends  deceiv'd  him  for  his  enemies. 

Tecumseh  mark'd  him  in  a  scowling  mood, 
And  flew,  and  met,  and  check'd  him  on  the  road, 
And  thus  begun  :  "  Why  backward  on  the  flight  ? 
And  will  you  dare  with  single  arm  the  fight  ?  70 

This  path,  Kentucky  holds  !     Brother,  you  look, 
As  though  by  all  your  relatives  forsook  ; 
See  what  a  crimson  cloud  comes  moving  nigh  ! 
These  are  our  friends  !     The  enemy  shall  die  !" 
Proctor  in  gaze  stood  fix'd — and  wildly  then  : 
"  Not  possible  yon  standards  royal  men  ! 
Not  from  this  compass  do  advance  our  host  ! 
Is  Shelby  here  1     I'm  sacrific'd — I'm  lost  ! 
Our  strength  is  weakness  ! — bid  the  whole  retire  ! 
They'll  seize,  they'll  bind,  they'll  torture  me  with 

fire !"  80 


284  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XIX. 

He  scarce  had  finish'd,  when  he  wheel'd  to  fly — 
But  lo,  Tecumseh  check'd  him  with  an  eye 
Frowning,  a  meteor  gleaming  on  the  heath, 
An  omen,  pregnant  with  approaching  death  : 

"  You  snake  of  poison  tooth  !  but  dare  depart, 
And  me  with  rifle  will  explode  your  heart  ! 
Tecumseh  long  has  kept  his  soul  in  chain, — 
But  now,  his  vengeance,  tempt  it  not  again  ! 
You  plunder,  talk,  and  fire,  and  scalps,  and  blood, 
But  when  big  danger  come,  you  never  stood  ;  90 

I  joy'd,  when  Croghan  smote  you  down  to  death — 
What  evil  spirit  brought  to  you  your  breath  ? 
You  man  of  wind,  of  noisy  tongue  in  talk  ; 
Indian,  less  speech — but  straight  in  duty  walk  ; 
You  captives  murder  for  the  pleasure's  sake  ; 
By  you  Cawataw  burnt  them  at  the  stake  ! 

"  In  war,  Tecumseh  is  the  sign  of  death  ! 
But  smother'd  never  he'an  infant's  breath  ; 
But  you  rejoice  to  take  the  suckling's  life  ; 
You  spare  no  stooping  mother,  nor  the  wife  !  100 

Tecumseh's  joy  is  with  the  warriors  strong, 
But  not  the  aged  with  the  whistling  tongue. 

"  You  bad  at  heart  :  Now  bad  man  fears  to  die  ; 
That  pales  your  cheek  at  sight  of  enemy  ; 
A  good  man  heeds  not  death — he  stand — he  fight — 
Big  sound  of  thunder  war  his  soul  delight  ; 
The  Spirit  Great  his  soul  with  lightning  warms  ; 
And  should  he  fail,  he  mounts  above  the  storms  !" 

He  ceas'd.     But  still  the  frowning  of  his  look, 
Aw'd  Proctor's  soul,  more  than  deep  words  he  spoke  ; 
His  colour  went  and  came — now  white — now  red — 
And  now  he  chok'd  and  stammer'd  with  his  dread  ; 


BATTLE  OF  THE  THAMES.          285 

If  on  the  chief  he  deign'd  to  lift  an  eye, 
Cow'ring  it  fell,  his  virtues  tower'd  so  high  : 
So  have  I  seen  a  guilty  slave  appear, 
When  stern  his  master  search'd  his  faults  severe, — 
Sweating  cold  dew,  he'd  raise  and  fall  his  sight, 
Sinking, — joints  trembling, — hating  of  the  light. 

Oft  he  assay'd  to  answer — but  in  vain  ; 
His  tongue  was  cramp'd  as  fastened  with  a  chain.     120 

At  length  the  thought  quick  flash'd  upon  his  mind, 
To  give  the  boon  his  monarch  had  design'd, 
At  Maiden  by  a  messenger  express'd ; 
But  then  the  tumult  drove  it  from  his  breast. 
He  hands  a  sash  with  cunning  work  inwrought, 
And  thus  proceeded  to  make  calm  his  thought  : 

"  Tecumseh,  mighty  chief! — griev'd  I  confess, 
That,  lost  in  many  cares — my  wrong  no  less, 
Than  to  withhold  this  royal  gift  from  you  ; 
Receiv'd  at  Maiden  at  the  time  we  flew  ;  130 

This  will  create  thee  second  of  the  field, 
For  thou  hast  prov'd  incapable  to  yield ; 
Accept  the  boon — 'tis  special  from  the  King, 
A  lofty  honour  on  thy  name  to  bring." 

Thus  he.      Tecumseh  then  :   "  White  man  be  so, 
He  hides  his  darkness  with  deceiving  show  ; 
Not  Indian  thus  :  when  crossing  stars  turn  back, 
We  show  our  feelings  by  the  sorrowing  black  ; 
But  when  they  pour  success  upon  our  head, 
We  paint  the  pleasure  by  the  gladdening  red.  140 

"  Now,  as  respect  design'd  me  by  the  King, 
I  give  him  thanks — but  not  accept  the  thing  ; 
To  me  no  use — in  nature's  wildness  born  ; 
My  father  taught  such  gifts  to  treat  with  scorn, 


286  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XIX. 

And  thus  to  me  he  talk  : 

"  '  Tecumseh,  son, 

Behold  our  tribe  in  white  man  folly  run  ; 
I  feel  the  weight  of  years,  and  soon  my  tongue 
Will  teach  no  more  to  guide  your  footsteps  young  ; 
Open  your  ears — and  now,  what  I  declare, 
Do  thoti,  my  son,  in  deep  remembrance  bear.         150 

"  '  Beware  the  white  man — oily  in  his  talk, 
'Tis  sweeten'd  poison — never  straight  his  walk  ; 
Beware  you  shun  religion  that  he  teach  ; 
One  way  he  act,  another  way  he  preach  ; 
To  day  he  tell  intemperance  burn  within, 
And  on  the  morrow  urge  you  to  the  sin  ! 
Beware  your  dealings  with  the  white  man  blood  ; 
He  give  you  trinkets  for  substantial  good. 
Great  Spirit  gave  to  Indian,  buffaloe,  bear  ; 
The  deer,  and  elk — so  bounteous  was  His  care  ;     160 
Because  we  treated  these,  his  gifts,  with  scorn, 
His  anger  grew,  and  we  are  left  to  mourn. 

"  '  Use  no  deceit — except  to  snare  thy  foe  ; 
And  when  he  yields,  him  sparing  mercy  show  ; 
Despise  a  coward  as  a  graceless  man  ; 
Despatch  him  with  the  axe — he'll  shame  thy  clan. 

"  '  Thy  mother  cherish  with  attentions  kind  ; 
To  you  her  feeble  years  are  now  resign'd  ; 
Think  of  her  labour  in  the  sun  for  thee, 
And  how  she  lap'd  you  on  her  tender  knee  ;  170 

Do  thou  with  equal  love  her  care  repay  ; 
Be  thou  her  staff  in  her  declining  day. 

"  '  Tecumseh,  son,  thy  father's  words  regard. 
And  thou  wilt  meet  in  happy  fields  reward. 


BATTLE  OF  THE  THAMES.          287 

"  ;  Wish  not  for  age-— 'tis  fill'd  with  grief  and  pain  ; 
Be  wisdom  thine,  while  thou  shalt  here  remain, 
Let  that  be  short  or  long — then  fear  thou  not, 
Thy  name  will  be  in  future  years  forgot ; 
The  mind  still  flourishes  when  all  is  lost  ;  179 

The  rest  soon  melts  away  like  autumn's  early  frost.' 

"  This  was  my  father's  teaching.      Shall  I  now 
Forget  his  voice  ?  to  silken  net-work  bow  ? 
No  :  deep  within  my  heart  his  voice  shall  rest ; 
Lock'd  in  the  centre  of  Tecumseh's  breast. 

"  Never  you'll  gain  my  friendship  with  your  gauze  ; 
To  blast  the  enemy  in  thunder  wars 
Is  feasting  to  my  soul !     Come — fear  no  more  ! 
Display  thy  warriors — wake  the  musick  roar 
Of  earthquake  battle  loud  ! — From  Thames'  steep 

bank 
Marshall  your  lines — the  stream  will   guard  their 

flank  ;  190 

The  Prophet  and  Tekelah  shall  combine, 
And  from  yon  marsh  will  I  extend  the  line  ; 
The  Thames  will  fence  your  left,  the  swamp  my 

right,— 
Thus  will  we  stand  and  swallow  up  the  fight  !" 

Proctor  beheld  the  favour  of  the  ground, 
And,  on  his  stirrups  rising,*  look'd  profound 
With  aspect  grave,  which  fools  for  wisdom  take  ; 
And  thus,  as  though  from  partial  dreaming,  spake  : 

"  Tecumseh,  heaven  hath  kept  thee  for  this  hour, 
To  crown  with  triumph  my  defeated  power  !          200 
The  past  appears  a  momentary  dream, 
Or  the  faint  glimmer  of  a  watery  beam, 


288  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XIX. 

That  looks  through  murky  clouds  when  the  moon 

pale 

Wades  in  thick  mist — and  all  the  star  lights  fail  ; 
But  now  my  mental  energies  are  clear, 
As  noonday  light — no  spot  upon  the  sphere  ; 
To  thee,  the  praise  I  give — 'tis  only  thou 
That  could  have  bent  iny  mind  against  the  foe  ; 
Marshall  thy  powers  according  to  thy  plan  ; 
Here  will  we  plant  ourselves — fight  man  to  man.    210 
Thy  Albion  brothers  on  the  left  will  stand, 
And  guard  with  death  the  passage  of  the  land  ! 

"  Distrust  me  not.     I  feel  sensations  new, 
Fanning  my  breast,  their  standards  to  subdue  ; 
In  the  late  field  my  bosom  fail'd  of  breath, 
But  now  I  feel  to  fight  the  fight  of  death  ! 
We  shall,  we  will  prevail !     My  nerves  are  strong, 
To  roll  in  thunder  with  the  strife  along  !" 

Vaunting  he  spoke.     Tecumseh  bent  his  head, 
In  moody  silence,  doubting  what  he  said  ;  220 

But  yet  he  felt  a  soothing  in  his  breast, 
That  he  his  soul  indignant  had  express'd. 

Strong  with  the  strength  which  in  his  bosom  stirr'd, 
He  join'd  his  warriors — rous'd  them  at  a  word  : 

'*  Now,  face  we  death  !     Each  choose  his  shelter 
ing  oak ; 
Give  ground  no  more.     Let  every  heart  be  rock  !" 

As  when  the  herald  of  infernal  name, 
Calls  forth  hell-labourers  to  the  work  of  flame, 
They  hear  the  roughness  of  the  clarion  sound, 
And  rise  in  darkening  multitudes  around.  230 

So  when  Tecumseh  gave  the  signal  word, 
His  clans  arose  with  features  stain'd  abhorr'd. 


BATTLE  OF  THE  THAMES.  289 

With  veteran  judgment  he  displays  the  line, 
To  slay  the  ranks  where  horse  and  foot  combine  ; 
A.  morass  deep,  gives  safety  to  his  right  ; 
Himself  in  centre  stands — death's  messenger  in  fight. 

Proctor  had  join'd  his  regal  forces  now, — 
To  whom,  like  eloquence,  his  accents  flow  : 

"  Chambers,  Warburton,  Evans,  Reynolds,  all 
Who  war  for  royal  titles,  hear  the  call  !  240 

Marshal  for  battle  !     On  the  left  extreme, 
Level  the  cannon  to  elance  the  flame  ! 
Than  this,  no  farther  shall  the  foe  advance  ; 
We'll  meet  them  here  with  death's  inheritance  ! 
In  coward  flight  no  longer  will  we  fly  ; 
Our  strength  augmented,  they  must  yield  or  die  ; 
Here  will  we  stand  and  drive  Kentucky  hence  ; 
Won  is  the  field,  when  Albion  makes  defence  ! 
Pale  fear  cast  backward  to  the  waning  moon  ; 
This  day  we  shine  in  glory  with  the  sun  !  250 

Conquer  but  now,  Columbia  is  our  own  ; 
Behold,  we  win  an  empire  for  the  Crown  ! 
Let  every  Briton  flame  with  fire  his  breast  ; 
We  fight,  we  conquer,  and  we  rule  the  West  !" 

The  royals  heard  and  wonder'd  at  the  sound, 
And  thought  his  soul  was  touch'd  with  the  profound  ; 
They  felt  a  gladness  in  their  bosoms  new, 
For  now  they  judg'd  their  leader  would  be  true. 

Thus  at  the  Falls  that  break  Ohfo's  flood, 
Deep  stagnant  waters  had  for  ages  stood,  26  ". 

Breeding  all  monstrous  animals  of  earth  ; 
Toads,  scorpions,  lizards, — millions  at  a  birth  ; 
25    VOL.  u. 


290  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XIX. 

Green  putrefaction  with  pestiferous  breath, 

Exhal'd  from  rotten  lungs  cadaverous  death  ; — 

Behold,  Industry  comes  with  nervous  hand 

And  drains  the  marshes  from  th'  infected  land  ; 

The  toads,  the  scorpions,  and  the  lizards  die, 

And  Putrefaction  gasps  in  agony  ; 

Exuberant  Health  comes  blushing  in  the  breeze  ; 

The  grape,  the  lily,  and  the  loveliest  trees  270 

Leap  into  life  !     The  City*  smiles  serene, 

To  mark  the  prospect  of  the  living  scene  ; 

New  life,  new  joy,  her  every  fibre  thrills  ; 

A  laughing  happiness  her  bosom  fills. 

So  Proctor's  voice  reanimates  to  life 
His  downcast  legions  to  maintain  the  strife  ; 
The  columns  presently  in  line  display, 
And  scowl  defiance  at  the  gathering  fray. 

Meanwhile,  full  breasted,  the  Kentuckians  drive 
To  crush  the  swarming  of  the  savage  hive  ;  280 

Swift  as  their  enemies  before  them  fly, 
They  leave  behind  their  every  luxury, 
From  which  the  brave  subsist  abundantly. 

Thus  for  three  days  ambitious  they  pursue 
The  foe — to  have  with  arms  an  interview  ; 
But  on  the  fourth, — as  from  meridian  height, 
The  sun  his  gold  diffus'd,  the  Johnsons  light 
On  the  same  ground  where  Albion  spent  the  night, 
The  half-extinguish'd  watch-fires  smouldering  by, 
Give  truthful  notice  of  their  foemen  nigh.  290 

Shelby,  the  Johnsons,  Harrison,  Adair  ; 

Croghan  the  youth — Whitley  with  hoary  hair  ; 

. 
*  Louisville. 


BATTLE    OP    THE   THAMES.  291 

Barry,  Crittenden — ornaments  of  earth  ; 
Syraral  and  Thompson — valiant  from  their  birth, 
Stand  in  a  group,  advanc'd  upon  the  ground, 
And  thus  to  Johnson,  Shelby's  words  resound  : 
"  Behold,  hath  come  the  harvest  day  of  fame  ! 
Thrust  in  thy  sickle — reap  a  glorious  name  ! 

"  Ply  the  quick  spur — dash  bounding  up  the  stream  ; 
Search  you  the  foe,  ere  farther  we  advance  ;  300 

Trace  his  position  with  a  wary  glance  ; 
Observe  him  well — if  still  upon  the  flight, 
Or  marshall'd  on  the  plain  to  brave  the  fight." 

Fleet  at  the  summons  Johnson  plied  the  goad, 
Dash'd  along  rapid,  and  devour'd  the  road  ; 
As  burns  an  arrow  from  an  archer  strong, 
So  eager  flew  the  chief  and  shot  along  ; 
His  plume,  white  tipt  with  red,  stream'd  far  behind, 
And  danc'd  redundant  on  the  liquid  wind. 
He  curb'd  his  charger  on  commanding  ground,         310 
And  jealous  mark'd  the  gather'd  host  around, 
Joy'd  at  the  sight,  his  ardent  soul  took  fire  ; 
His  every  heart-string  shiver 'd  with  desire. 

Thus  when  a  mariner  for  three  long  years, 
Had  plough'd  the  eastern  and  the  western  spheres  ; 
At  length,  home  bound,  he  makes  the  headland 

near — 

But  lo,  a  mist  beclouds  the  objects  dear  ; 
At  noon,  before  the  gale  it  scattering  flies, 
And  Boston  opens,  sweet  as  Paradise  ! 
His  soul  is  floating  in  a  tide  of  bliss,  320 

Transported,  tearful  with  his  happiness. 

So  Johnson  felt  the  passion  of  delight, 
To  mark  the  al^es  ready  for  the  fight. 


292  PREDONIAD.       CANTO  XIX. 

His  bosom  calm'd, — he  kenn'd  with  warrior  skill 
Their  posture  of  defence — wheeled — made  the  hill, 
Where  stood  the  chiefs  : — They  listen  to  his  voice  : 

"  The  hour  hath  come,  that  bids  us  to  rejoice  ! 
Our  anxious  thoughts  and  weary  toils  are  o'er ; 
The  foe  stands  planted  on  yon  field  before  ! 
His  posture  of  defence  is  artful  chose  ;  330 

Their  left  extreme  is  where  the  river  flows  ;' 
A  row  of  thunders  their  deep  ranks  support, 
Ready  with  flame  our  energies  to  thwart  ; 
Tecumseh's  strength  is  partially  conceal'd 
By  the  thick  growth  that  overshades  the  field  ; 
He  holds  the  right.     A  morass  close  at  hand, 
Will  make  it  vain  to  flank  upon  his  band  ; 
Hence,  we  must  meet  them  open  on  the  field, 
And  arm  to  arm  our  ready  falchions  wield. 

"  I  to  thy  judgment  would  with  deference  plead,  34O 
The  charging  onset  of  the  war  to  lead." 

Him,  Shelby  answers  :    "  To  proceed  with  horse 
Against  train'd  infantry,  a  novel  course  ; 
Yet  will  the  charge  succeed — 'twill  strike  with  awe, 
By  its  bold  daring  and  decide  the  war." 

To  Johnson,  Harrison,  "  Brave  man,  move  forth  ; 
Known  is  thy  valour  and  thy  patriot  worth  ; 
Proud  in  the  senate  hath  thy  tongue  proclaim'd 
The  nation's  honour,  which  the  foe  defam'd  ; 
Thine  every  thought  is  to  thy  country  given  ;  35O 

Now  lift  thy  glory  to  the  light  of  heaven  ; 
We  shall  be  near  thee  to  sustain  thy  path, 
And  glean  the  field  with  desolating  wrath. 

*'  Thy  brother,  rich  in  fame,  will  lead  the  right 
Against  the  Albions  in  the  shock  of  fighi ; 


BATTLE  OF  THE  THAMES.  293 

Whilst  thou  wilt  thunder  on  Tecumseh's  line. 
And  prove  the  virtue  of  thy  origin  ; 
The  infantry  will  charge  with  steel  in  hand, 
When  once  with  blood  we  mark  thy  lifted  brand. 

u  Divide  thy  warriors  for  the  bold  assay  ;  SCO 

The  aged  chief  will  nerve  them  for  the  fray." 

The  horse  stand  column'd.     Shelby's  accents  flow 
Warm  from  the  heart  and  kindle  on  his  brow  : 

"  Let  one  emotion  animate  the  whole  ; 
Hot  chafe  the  bosom — rouse  the  smother'd  soul ; 
Long  have  we  toil'd  the  enemy  to  meet  ; 
Endur'd  the  winter's  cold — the  summer's  heat ; 
These  toils  are  now  no  more — we  charge  them  home  ; 
A  day  to  live  in  future  years  hath  come  ! 

"  Do  not  strange  tremblings  in  your  bosoms  ply,  370 
Kindling  your  souls  with  immortality  ? 
Yea — I  behold  in  every  eye  the  fire, 
Glancing  the  language  of  the  heart's  desire  ! 
Joy  thrills  the  cords  of  life  to  mark  the  blaze  ! 
Strong  in  the  strength  of  Liberty,  up-raise 
The  Eagle  high  in  air — her  wing  to  heaven 
Expand  !     Fame, — fame  eternal  to  your  deeds  be 
given  ! 

"  Let  him,  who  dreads  the  shock — with  timid  heart, 
Back  from  the  honour  of  the  day  depart ; 
Never  I'll  stand  beside  a  coward  slave  ;  380 

None  shall  advance  who  fear  to  find  a  grave  ! 

********* 

"  None — none  retire  !     Each  heart  is  ribb'd  with 

steel  ; 

Unconquerable  band  !     What  joys  I  feel  ! 
25*    VOL.  ii. 


294  FREDONIAD.       CANTO  XIX. 

1  seem  in  bloom  of  life — my  years  made  young  f 
A  flood  of  transport  drowns  my  ravish'd  tongue ! 
Let  your  advance  be  death — a  chain  of  fire  ; 
Jii  wrath,  let  blood-stain'd  enemies  expire  ! 

"  But  when  they  kneel,  then,  soften'd  be  as  down  5 
Let  mercy  raise  the  subjects  of  the  crown  ; 
'Tis  heaven's  first  virtue  ever  to  forgive,  390 

Hence,  let  the  vanquish'd  gentleness  receive. 

"  And  should  the  fight  give  Proctor  to  your  hand, 
Let  not  his  blood  be  seen  upon  the  land  ; 
Death  is  a  boon  too  rich  for  him  to  have  ; 
The  field  of  battle  is  the  warrior's  grave  ; 
No  :  half  his  crimes  by  such  a  death  would  fade  ; 
To  fall  with  heroes  would  exalt  his  shade. 

"  Silent  move  forth,  till  they  elance  the  blaze  ; 
Then — then  the  passions  to  a  frenzy  raise  ; 
And,  while  the  Eagle  screams  along  the  sky,  400 

Charge  on  with  death — charge  on  with  chivalry  !" 

His  language  gave  a  quickening  to  each  part, 
And  seem'd  to  wind  like  lightning  round  the  heart ! 

The  columns,  silent  their  positions  take, 
And  list  to  hear  the  sounding  bugles  break 
The  signal  to  advance.     Still  as  the  breath, 
That  faintly  languishes  at  sleep  of  death, 
The  elements  remain — as  though  they  felt 
The  time  at  hand,  when  sun  and  stars  would  melt ; 
No  leaf  the  forest  stirs.     Lo,  Johnson's  sword  410 

Proclaims  the  sign  more  forcible  than  word  ; 
At  once,  the  bugles  answer  with  a  sound, 
That  seems  to  shake  the  bosom  of  the  ground  ; 
It  strikes  the  breathless  army  on  the  rear, 
Like  Judgment  trumpet  when  the  dead  appear  ! 


BATTLE  OF  THE  THAMES.  295 

The  mounted  warriors,  at  the  signal  note,  > 
Move  forth  like  clouds,  when  slow  on  air  they  float  ; 
Each  heart  strong-beating  with  the  pulse  of  life. 
To  reach  the  foe  and  mingle  in  the  strife  ; 
With  eye  undamp'd,  they  mark  upon  the  heath,      420 
The  ranks  display'd  to  melt  them  down  to  death  ; 
Fix'd  in  their  purpose  ere  they  force  the  charge, 
The  enemy  should  stream  his  fire  at  large. 

Now  when  the  Albions  heard  the  bugles  sound, 
Proctor  with  Elliot  vanish'd  from   the  ground, 
But  Reynolds,  valiant  thus  :  "  Fear  not,  nor  move  ! 
Now  the  heart's  daring  of  the  English  prove  ; 
And  let  them  come  L    With  hearts  and  weapons  strong, 
We'll  sweep  their  columns  in  the  dust  along  ; 
Think  of  our  Alfred's,  Henry's,  Marlborough's  blood, 
Who  thrice  their  strength  in  battle  have  withstood  !  431 
And  shall  we  give  and  falsify  their  name  ! 
Blush  at  the  thought, — should  heaven  be  fill'd  with 

flame  ! 

"  The  foe  approaches  !  mark  !     Waken  your  ire  ! 
Mix  steel  with  steel,  and  melting  fire  with  fire !" 

Through  every  breast  his  words  as  lightning  run  ; 
A  hurrying  death  elanc'd  from  every  gun, 
Solid  at  once  ! — the  motion  was  so  fleet, 
The  blaze  scorch'd  heaven,  unbroken  in  a  sheet  ! 
Their  steels  they  'tempt  to  fix — not  time  have  they, 
The  Johnsons  charge,  and  fierce  begin  the  fray.        441 

Loud  as  the  crash  of  tempest-shiver'd  oaks  ; 
As  dashing  waters  boil  o'er  pointed  rocks  ; 
As  ocean's  billows  breaking  on  the  shore  ; 
As  pealing  thunders  round  the  welkin  roar  ; 


296  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XIX. 

Such  the  vast  tumult — such  the  deafening  jar, 

As  dash  the  columns  in  the  charge  of  war; 

The  horses'  feet  deep  echo  to  the  skies  ; 

Thick  clouds  of  dust  in  volumes  vast  arise  ; 

Half  hid,  half  seen,  the  maddening  ranks  appear  ;     450 

Now  their  plumes  show  like  live  things  in  the  sphere, 

The  rest  is  all  obscure — save  now  and  then, 

The  heads  reveal  themselves  of  tallest  men, 

Like  the  moon  wading  through  the  mist  of  clouds, 

She  shines  a  moment,  then  her  glimmering  shrouds  ; 

On — on  they  bound — as  lightnings  fiery  sweep, 

In  blood  the  bosom  of  the  earth  to  steep  : 

As  when  black  whirlwinds  from  th'  equator  driven, 

Split   the  dark  clouds  and  dash  them  loose  through 

heaven  ; 

Bend  the  weak  birches — rend  the  knotted  oak,          460 
And  strike  the  wilderness  with  besom  stroke  ; 
Sheets  of  black  dust  eclipse  the  solar  ray  ; 
The  mountains  groan — earth  reels  beneath  their  sway  ; 
Ruin  flies  wasting  on  red  wings  of  fire  ; 
The  cavern  monsters  howlingly  retire. 

The  Johnsons  thus,  like  whirlwinds,  thunder  on  ; 
Thus  break  their  lines — thus  tramp  the  Britons  down. 

From  front  the  columns  having  strew'd  the  dead  : 
"  Battalions  !  wheel  and  rush  their  rear  !"  They  said  ; 
The  patriots  turn — but  ere  they  ply  the  heel,  470 

The  Albions  crouch  beneath  the  weight  of  steel  ! 

But  lo,  Tecumseh  in  his  pride  withstands 
The  furious  onset  of  the  charging  bands  ; 
Rice,  Chambers,  Thompson,  Whitley,  Church,  unite 
The  centre  columns  of  the  foe  to  smite  ; 


BATTLE    OP    THE    THAMES.  297 

Tekelah,  Prophet — with  their  strength  oppose 
The  Freedom  warriors — blows  resound  on  blows. 
Tecumseh's  voice  the  rage  of  battle  pours, 
Maddening  the  fight,  which  sounds  to  Erie's  shores  : 

"  Warriors  !  draw  blood  till  every  heart  be  dry  !  480 
Like  rocks  which  break  the  thunderbolts  on  high, 
Stand  in  the  strife  !     As  lightning  blasts  the  heath, 
So  strike  and  blast  the  enemy  with  death  !'' 

The  savage  heard,  and  rais'd  th'  infernal  scream  ; 
Sharp  glancing  fires  from  flint-struck  rifles  stream  ; 
Supported  thus,  Tecumseh  awful  moves, 
Like  some  dark  ghost  in  lightning-kindled  groves  ; 
As  grass  before  the  blade  in  summer  dies, 
So  on  the  field  sink  friends  and  enemies. 

In  different  parts  are  different  actions  seen,  490 

Equal  the  bravest  of  the  brave  of  men  : 

Now  Whitley  and  Tekelah  close  with  rage, 
And  fierce  in  hand  with  bloody  axe  engage. 

As  when  two  panthers  meet  upon  the  heath, 
And  mix  in  combat  with  their  claws  and  teeth  ; 
Nor  this  nor  that  give  ground — in  desperate  mood, 
They  gash,   and  gash — their  bodies   smear'd  with 
blood. 

Thus  Whitley  and  the  brawny  savage  close  ; 
And  thus  their  blood  from  sudden  gashes  flows  ; 
At  length,  the  hoary  veteran  smites  his  brow  !       500 
Tekelah  whirls — then  sudden  drops  below  ; 
Blood  from  his  nostrils  in  a  foaming  flow. 

Whitley  now  glancing  at  Tecumseh's  form, 
Dark  with  the  horrors  of  the  rising  storm, 
Rushes  to  quench  the  brand  that  flam'd  the  war  ; 
His  white  locks  waving  in  the  troubled  air  ; 


298  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XIX. 

He  stands — he  draws  the  rifle  to  his  eye  ; 

The  sparkles  catch  the  dust — the  ruins  fly 

To  search  him  through  the  heart  !    but  by  quick 

wheel, 

At  the  brief  instant  that  the  hammer'd  steel  510 

Fretted  with  fire — the  ball  Tecumseh  shunn'd  ; 
Yet  blood  is  seen  to  trickle  on  the  ground  ; 
Deep  through  his  shoulder  is  the  gory  wound  ; 
Fierce  he  recoils  upon  his  aged  foe, 
And  rapid  hurls  the  never-failing  blow  ; 
The  coated  axe,  thick-matted  o'er  with  hairs, 
Wide  through  his  convoluted  bowels  tears  J 
As  sinks  an  aged  elm  before  the  blast, 
So  fell  the  warrior  and  expir'd  his  last. 

Tecumseh  forth,  when  he  the  sage  had  kill'd,      520 
Dash'd  like  a  tempest  o'er  the  burning  field, 
Kindling  the  strife  !     A  savage  host  rush  on 
To  scalp  his  hoary  locks  to  please  the  Throne  ! 
Prophet,  impetuous,  desperate  in  his  might, 
Leads  on  the  wild-men  to  the  murderous  rite  ; 
Thompson  dismounts  his  charger  at  a  bound, 
And  meets  the  howling  savage  on  the  ground  ; 
His  bold  battalion  render  him  support 
To  guard  the  body  with  a  proud  effort ; 
As  two  dark  rolling  streams  from  adverse  hills,       530 
Supplied  with  water  from  a  thousand  rills, 
Mingle  with  madness  in  the  vale  below  ; 
So  Thompson's  warriors  mingle  with  the  foe. 

As  round  they  wield  the  axe,  blood  marks  its  edge  ; 
Man  crowds  on  man  in  battle's  dreadful  wedge  ! 
At  times  the  slaughter  thins  the  stifling  press, 
But  that  augments,  not  makes  the  carnage  less,— 


BATTLE  OF  THE  THAMES.  299 

By  giving  freedom  to  their  arms  and  breath, 
The  axes  drive  more  sure  the  stroke  of  death. 

At  length,  the  Prophet  in  the  dust  is  laid,  540 

Floating  in  blood  by  Thompson's  reeking  blade  ; 
The  savages  give  way  : — the  patriots  seize 
Whitley  the  prize — and,  from  the  slaughter,  raise 
And  bear  him  forth  to  those  upon  the  rear, 
Who  place  the  veteran  on  his  martial  bier  ; 
A  bier  more  honour'd  than  the  bed  of  state, 
Where  kings  are  laid  to  make  their  burial  great. 

As  Thompson's  band  with  Whitley's  corse  with 
drew, 
Johnson  gave  madness  to  the  battle  new  : 

"  Kentuckians  !  elevate  the  soul  on  high,  550 

As  in  the  fields  of  ancient  chivalry  ! 
Arise — spare  not  !     Fight  on  with  courage  bold, 
Like  Clark  and  Estill  in  the  days  of  old, 
With  Logan  by  their  side  !     Smite  down  the  foe  ; 
Let  savage  blood  be  seen  at  every  blow !" 

He  put  his  valour  forth  ; — and  like  a  star 
Blazing  through  heaven,  he  shone  in  thickest  war. 
His  banded  strength  pursued  !     The  battle  roars, 
Like  outrag'd  ocean  breaking  on  the  shores  ; 
Like  showering  hail,  sharp  whistling,  whiz  the  lead, 
And  every  volley  magnifies  the  dead  ;  56l 

The  noise  disturbs  the  elements  around  ; 
The  gushing  blood  makes  drunk  the  thirsty  ground. 

As  when  from  mountain  tops  small   streams   de 
scend, 
Swelling  and  maddening  as  their  channels  bend  ; 


300  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XIX. 

The  brooks  augment  to  rivers  as  they  flow, 
Which  roar,  and  foam,  and  flood  the, vales  below. 
Like  this,  the   conflict  swells.      The  Thames 

turns  red, 
The  field  around  with  darkness  overspread. 

Johnson  engag'd,  beholds  Tecumseh  nigh  ;         570 
They  stop — and  roll  at  each  a  lowering  eye  ; 
As  two  dark  clouds  frown  opposite  in  wrath, 
Muttering  deep  thunders  to  th'  affrighted  earth, 
So  frown  they  dismal  with  a  tightening  breath  ; 
Threatening  each  other  with  a  look  of  death  ! 

Behold,  Tecumseh — rapid  to  his  face, 
His  rifle  bears — to  end  the  Johnson  race  ; 
Slaughter  the  foremost  of  Kentucky's  sons, 
Within  whose  veins  a  tide  of  honour  runs  ; 
He  blinds  the  vision  of  his  left — his  right  580 

Burns  like  the  polar  star  in  wintry  night, 
And  fastens  on  the  head.     The  ruins  fly, 
And  tear  his  hip  and  lacerate  his  thigh  ; 
One  strikes  his  hand,  that  holds  the  guiding  rein, 
But  saves  the  chief  from  falling  with  the  slain, 
For,  with  unerring  line  it  aim'd  his  breast, 
But  the  wrist  bones  obliqu'd  it  to  the  west  ; 
Yet  unappall'd,  the  hero  in  his  right 
Retain'd  with  iron  grasp  his  weapon  tight  ; 
So  lost  in  action,  he  forgot  his  pain,  590 

Though  in  fast  drops  his  blood  bedew'd  the  plain. 

Tecumseh  rushes — rais'd  his  axe  to  throw 
The  whirling  hatchet  at  his  wounded  foe  ; 


BATTLE  OP  THE  THAMES.          301 

Johnson  presents  the  hidden  death— and  aims  ; 
Touches  the  spring  !  searching  of  life,  it  flames — 
Beneath  his  lifted  arm,  swift  flies  the  shot, 
And  opes  the  fountain  of  his  bosom  hot ; 
The  sixth  rib  fractures — heart  through  centre  rent — 
The  passion'd  blood  spouts  hissing  from  the  vent ; 
With  feeble  force  Tecumseh  throws  the  axe  ;          600 
His  arm  gives  way — his  strength  dissolves  like  wax  ; 
He  reels — he  sinks  to  earth — he  gasps — he  dies  ; 
His  soul  ascends  its  native  paradise. 

So  once,  in  years  gone  by,  the  mammoth  trod 
Kentucky's  wiles,  as  some  superior  god  ; 
A  bolt  of  thunder  from  a  cloud  in  heaven, 
Against  the  iron  of  his  skull  was  driven  ; 
He  shook  it  off  !     Another  flew  amain  ; 
Like  to  the  first  he  glanc'd  it  on  the  plain, 
Which  in  its  progress  spread  a  ruin  round,  610 

The  rocks  before  it  shatter'd  to  the  ground  ; 
At  length,  another  from  the  magazine 
Came,  lightning-drove,  to  search  his  heart  within  ; 
Between  his  ribs  of  brass  it  rent  its  way, 
And,  through  his  shoulder,  forc'd  itself  to  day  ; 
Staggering,  he  fell  !     Earth  groan'd  beneath  the  blow, 
As  though  a  mountain  had  its  overthrow. 

Thus  fell  the  great  Tecumseh  in  his  might, — 
And  with  him  fell  the  spirit  of  the  fight. 

Soon,  Johnson's  charger,  wounded  through  his 

life  620 

By  balls  that  shower'd  like  April  rain  in  strife, 
Sinks,  fainting  to  the  earth,  deep  stain'd  with  gore  ; 
And  all  the  glory  of  his  strength  is  o'er. 
26    VOL.  ii. 


302  PREDONIAD.      CANTO   XIX. 

He  paws  the  blood-soak'd  heath  with  dying  throes, 

Eyeing  his  master  whom  he  yet  still  knows  ; 

And,  for  a  time,  forgets  his  sweating  pains, 

To  see  him  pale  and  weltering  on  the  plains  ; 

The  fire  that  burnt  within  his  eye  subsides  ; 

Each  inspiration  bathes  his  milk-white  sides 

In  crimson  foam — but  when  his  breath  expires,      630 

The  vital  fountain  in  his  chest  retires  ; 

Faint  and  more  faint,  his  mouth  is  on  the  plain  ; 

At  times  he  lifts  it  up — but  now,  alas,  in  vain  ! 

He  turns  upon  his  side — he  gasps  for  breath  ; 

He  chills — he  shivers  in  the  pangs  of  death  ! 

Harrison,  Shelby,  with  reserve  press'd  forth, 
As  Johnson,  bleeding,  sunk  upon  the  earth. 

But  lo,  the  Fiend  in  counterfeited  form 
Came  sweeping  forward  like  a  rushing  storm  ; 
His  borrow'd  lineaments  of  savage  race  640 

Deep  trench'd  the  wrinkles  in  his  haggard  face  ; 
Beneath  his  iron  brows  his  eyeballs  roll'd, 
Whose  glance  the  hell  within  his  bosom  told ; 
An  angry  sparkle  shot  from  every  hair, 
Which  stood  erect,  and  quiver'd  in  the  air. 

A  half-tarn 'd  tyger  bore  him  in  his  path, 
And  thus  to  Shelby  he  began  in  wrath  : 

"  My  name  is  Burning  Mountain  !     Stay  thy  host, 
Or  by  slow  fire  thy  aged  limbs  shall  roast  ! 
Yea — dare  to  pass  to  give  thy  warriors  aid,  650 

Thy  splinter'd  body  shall  on  coals  be  laid !" 

He  ended  scowling  with  tempestuous  look, 
And  o'er  the  veteran's  head  his  axe  he  shook. 


BATTLE  OF  THE  THAMES.          303 

"  Dark  form  !  my  soul  was  never  known  to  dread 
A  burning  Mountain  or  a  ghost  of  dead  ! 
Give  place — retire  to  where  th'  unrighteous  dwell, 
Or  quick  I'll  search  the  secret  of  thy  hell  !" 

No  more,  with  patience  could  the  Tyrant  bear  ; 
He  rais'd  his  axe  with  a  convulsive  air 
To  smite  hirn  in  his  strength  !     But  lo,  his  life       660 
Was  by  Fredonia  shielded  in  the  strife  ; 
Invisible,  his  sword  she  touch'd  its  edge, 
That  with  the  Spirit  he  might  combat  wage. 

11  And  durst  thou  wake  the  tempest  of  my  soul  ? 
Monster  !  feel  death — or  bow  to  my  control  !" 

Astonishment !  the  counterfeit  he  thrust ; 
And  made  him  sink  submissive  in  the  dust  ; 
The  hallow'd  touch  of  the  celestial  hand, 
Made  the  steel  burn  like  seven-times  heated  brand  ! 
Th'  infernal  blood,  black  issu'd  from  the  wound,      670 
And  hiss'd,  and  smok'd,  and  boil'd  upon  the  ground ; 
Thick  from  his  nostrils  pour'd  a  cloud  of  night, 
In  which  he  roli'd  his  form,  and  vanish'd  from  the 
sight. 

The  tyger  which  he  rode  assum'd  its  form  ; 
It  shrunk  to  earth  a  reptile  scorpion  worm, 
And  wound  like  crooked  lightning  o'er  the  plain  ; 
But  soon  it  shelter'd  'neath  the  savage  slain. 

None,  by  the  tumult  in  their  mind,  conceiv'd 
The  sage  had  more  than  mortal  acts  achiev'd. 

The  veteran  leads  th'  impatient  army  forth  ;          680 
The  wild- men  scatter  broken  to  the  north  ; 
The  elder  Johnson  thunders  on  their  rear, 
And  hurls  them  slaughter  in  their  path  severe. 


304  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XIX. 

While  this  transpir'd,  the  younger  Johnson  lay, 
Bleeding  by  slow  degrees  his  life  away  ; 
His  eye  mov'd  languid,  and  his  lips  turn'd  pale, 
While  in  his  ear,  Death  sung  his  doleful  tale. 

Thompson  and  Barry,  Crittenden  and  Payne, 
Haste  to  remove  him,  weltering  on  the  plain  ; 
On  a  soft  litter  with  an  easy  tread,  690 

They  bear  him  backward  from  the  scene  of  dead  ; 
On  downy  pallet,  in  pavilion  large, 
To  anxious  surgeons  they  resign  their  charge, 
Who  forth  with  ready  hands  the  blood  suppress, 
And  sprinkle  water  in  his  marble  face  ; 
But  all  of  no  avail — his  eyelids  close 
Half  down — and  half  the  fading  eye  expose. 

The  soldiers  sighing  past  the  tent  would  stray, 
And  cast  a  look  and  wish  themselves  away  : 
Yet  would  they  stand  and  linger  round  the  brave,     70O 
Whispering  to  heaven,  his  valiant  life  to  save  ; 
Fast  by  his  couch  his  weeping  nephews  stood, 
And  press'd  his  cheek,  and  wip'd  the  oozing  blood. 

Meantime  the  sadness  through  the  army  spread, 
Their  favourite  chief  was  number'd  with  the  dead  ! 

His  conquering  brother  having  sheath'd  his  blade, 
Crimson  with  slaughter  in  the  battle  made, 
Now  catches  the  report  that  loads  the  gale  ; 
Various,  but  icy,  the  pathetick  tale. 

He  seeks  the  tent,  and  finds  him  in  his  blood  ;      710 
He  stands  in  silence  with  his  soul  subdu'd, 
Pressing  his  hand  !     His  tears  his  heart  betray 
To  see  his  brother  languishing  away. 

At  length,  the  utterance  of  his  tongue  returns,. 
Whilst  with  affection  all  his  bosom  yearns  ; 


BATTLE  OP  THE  THAMES.  305 

"  Wake,  O  rny  brother  ! — listen  to  ray  voice  ! 
One  breathing  whisper  will  my  heart  rejoice  ! 
O,  but  one  farewell  from  thy  lips  be  given, 
And  I'll  resign  thee,  if  I  must,  to  heaven." 

The  hero  waken'd  at  the  well-known  tongue,        720 
And  with  soft  press  his  hand  with  trembling  wrung  : 
Lifted  the  curtains  of  his  eye  serene, 
And  cheer'd  his  brother  with  a  smiling  mein  ; 
A  bless'd  sensation  shot  along  his  soul, 
As  boreal  light  that  quickens  round  the  pole. 

Thus  a  fond  mother,  with  despairing  wo, 
Marks  in  her  infant  each  convulsive  throe, 
Sickening  to  death.     Deep,  solemn,  silent,  pale, 
She  counts  the  pulses  as  they  ebbing  fail ; 
Lo,  while  she  stands  thus  rack'd  with  her  despair,     730 
Her  dying  infant  smiles  a  healthful  air  ! 
Her  heart  is  ravish'd  at  the  joyous  sight ; 
Her  every  fibre  shivers  with  delight. 

So  when  he  press'd  his  brother's  hand  and  sniil'd, 
Each  anxious  bosom  with  its  transport  thrill'd  ; 
They  lean  to  hear  his  voice — yet  still  they  fear, 
That  they  intrusive  will  disturb  him  near  : 

"  Thy  voice,  my  brother,  hath  new  wak'd  my  life, 
And  call'd  it  back  from  death's  conflicting  strife  ; 
But  O,  how  rich  the  luxury  to  die,  740 

When  circled  in  the  arms  of  Victory  ! 
I  scarce  can  thank  thee — yet  thou  know'st  my  heart  ; 
I  meant  not  so :  till  Death  shall  hurl  the  dart, 
With  resignation,  happy  will  I  live, 
And  to  my  country  every  effort  give  ; 
For  her  I  bleed — to  her  devote  each  day, 
Till  heaven  shall  lap  this  mortal  dust  in  clay." 
26*    VOL.  n. 


306  FB.EDONIAD.       CANTO    XIX. 

Here,  be  half  fainted  on  his  brother's  breast, 
But  found  a  pillow  there  as  soft  as  angel's  rest. 

The  meantime  Suggett  with  a  chosen  band,  750 

Seeking  for  Proctor,  bounded  o'er  the  land  ; 
With  stimulating  spur  they  urg'd  their  way, 
Swift  as  strong  eagles  searching  for  their  prey. 

Chill'd  at  his  heart,  oft  Proctor  bent  his  eyes 
Back  on  his  path  : — And  now  he  pale  descries 
The  horsemen  wind  the  hill  !     "  The  steeds  urge  on  I 
I  feel  them  at  my  vitals  !  lost — undone  ! 
I — where  ?  what  manner  ? — where  can  I  conceal  ? 
In  yonder  cavern  ! — thousand  deaths  I  feel  !" 

By  this,  the  Fiend,  that  sways  the  world  accurst,  760 
Had  clos'd  his  wound  receiv'd  by  mortal  thrust, 
And,  through  the  cloud,  observ'd  the  grievous  state 
Of  his  begotten,  shivering  with  his  fate. 

Behold,  as  Proctor  op'd  his  chariot  door, 
He  stoop'd  his  wings — and  on  his  shoulders  bore 
His  darling  child  !     Without  the  change  of  death, 
Glad,  he  conducts  him  to  the  realms  beneath  ! 

Suggett  observ'd  the  movements  of  the  Fiend, 
And  saw  him  seize  and  bear  from  earth  his  friend  ; 
None  but  the  holy  man  the  Form  beheld  ;  770 

Such  was  the  virtue  to  his  soul  reveal'd, 
The^others  thought  he'd  vanish'd  in  the  cave, 
His  forfeit  life  from  their  pursuit  to  save. 

"  Go — speed  thy  way  to  darkness  with  thy  sire  ! 
Hell's  gulf  is  yawning  with  its  jaws  of  fire  ! 
Great  is  my  joy  to  see  thee  grappled  fast, 
By  him,  the  monarch  of  the  scorching  blast." 
' 


BATTLE  OP  THE  THAMES.  307 

As  the  last  word  the  reverend  warrior  spoke, 
The  head  of  Proctor  was  conceal'd  in  smoke. 

Till  setting  sun,  the  dead  the  patriots  urn,          780 
Ready  at  day  triumphant  to  return  ; 
They  dream  of  glowing  visions  through  the  night, 
And  wake,  and  form  their  marching  files  at  light ; 
The  numerous  captives  in  the  centre  stand  ; 
A  measur'd  league  they  stretch  along  the  land  ; 
The  brazen  guns,  that  Hull  to  Brock  resign'd, 
Are,  with  due  honours,  to  the  front  assign'd. 
Arms,  martial  instruments,  luxurious  spoils, 
Fall  to  the  brave  to  recompense  their  toils. 

And  now,  their  march  for  Sandwich  they  pursue  ; 
On  the  sixth  day,  the  lake  expands  in  view  ; 
The  fleet,  a  passage  to  Detroit  afford, 
Where  to  the  fort  the  cannon  are  restored  ; 
This  done — for  Raisin  they  advance  their  way  ; 
And  reach  the  fatal  ground  at  eve  of  second  day. 

**##*#### 

Alas,  the  scene  that  opens  on  the  sight  ! 
The  fields  around  with  untomb'd  bones  are  white  ! 
From  every  eye  the  drops  of  grief  descend  ; 
Some  mourn  a  brother — some  a  bosom  friend  ; 
The  son,  his  hoary  sire, — the  sire,  his  son,  800 

Adown  whose  cheeks  the  trickling  sorrows  run  ; 
Murderers,  their  captives  now  !  but  yet  no  look, 
No  vengeance  threatening  of  their  lives  is  spoke  ! 
But  to  their  cruel,  worse  than  savage  foe, 
A  kind  indulgence  the  Kentuckians  show  ; 
Yea — were  they  brothers,  friends,  instead  of  men. 
Who  late  had  acted  such  a  death-cold  scene, 


308  PREDON1AD.      CANTO  XIX. 

They  could  no  more,  than  bounteous  they  receiv'd 
From  hands  whose  souls  unrighteous  they  had  griev'd. 

At  length,  with  Freedom  form'd  upon  his  right,  810 
And  those  that  murder'd — opposite  in  sight, 
Shelby  begins  :  "  The  brave  are  ever  great, 
Through  every  scene  in  high  or  low  estate ; 
I've  seen  you  suffer  by  a  merc'less  foe, 
Without  a  wrinkle  knitted  on  your  brow  ; 
I've  seen  you  rush  to  war,  sublime  in  soul, 
And  fire,  and  carnage  through  the  battle  roll  ; 
I've  seen  you  bind  their  wounds — their  feelings  calm, 
When  they  have  knelt  beneath  your  victor  arm  ; 
My  heart  was  gladden'd  to  behold  these  scenes,       820 
In  future  bards  to  wake  immortal  strains  ; 
Though  these  are  acts  which  bright  as  heaven  appear, 
Yet  they  with  present  deeds  can  ne'er  compare. 

"  Here,  on  my  right,  I  see  my  children  slain, 
Whose  bones  are  whiten'd  by  the  sun  and  rain  ; 
Here,  on  my  left,  the  murderers  captive  stand, 
Presented,  generous,  with  kind  Friendship's  hand  ! 

"  Historick  Muse  !  thy  lengthen'd  scroll  display  ! 
Bring  the  past  deeds  of  nations  into  day  ! 
Ken  every  syllable — line,  word,  and  page,  830 

From  Time's  first  dawning  to  the  present  age  ; 
Where  can  you  point  the  page,  the  line,  the  word, 
That  will  with  this  exalted  deed  accord  ? 
None — none  appears  J     A  virtue  new  must  rise  ; 

Pen  it,  O  Muse  ! — and  waft  it  to  the  skies  ! 

********* 

"  My  heart  is  full.     Sad  office  now  remains  ; 
The  bones  to  gather,  scatter'd  o'er  the  plains, 


BATTLE  OP  THE  THAMES.  309 

And  shroud  them  in  the  dust, — then,  with  a  tear, 
Pay  the  last  tribute  to  the  warrior's  bier." 

Slow  move  the  patriots  with  a  weeping  eye,       840 
Anxious  their  brothers,  fathers,  to  descry  ; 
But  O  how  vain  !     Distinctive  marks  are  lost   ; 
Save  the  bleak  frame,  all  moulder'd  into  dust  ! 

How  must  this  scene  subdue  the  heart  of  pride  ! 
Let  not  the  young  the  aged  nerve  deride  : 
Here  lies,  O  thoughtless  youth  ! — a  form  once  fair  ; 
A  glowing  heart  that  never  felt  despair  ; 
His  lambent  eye  did  once  on  beauty  rove  ; 
Pierc'd  her  soft  bosom  with  the  looks  of  love  ; 
These  charms  are  fled — sad  change  !     Now  all  re 
mains  850 
Are  whiten'd  bones  stretch'd  naked  on  the  plains  ! 

The  grief-pale  mourners  place  them  in  the  earth, 
While  the  soul's  fountain  from  their  eyes  streams  forth  ; 
With  clay-cold  dust,  they  shroud  them  from  the  view, 

And  sigh  with  aching  hearts,  their  long,  and  last  adieu  ! 

**#*##### 

Slow,  homeward  as  they  move, — lo  !  from  a  cloud, 
Fredonia's  voice  is  heard,  more  sweet  than  loud  : 

"  Mourn  not,  nor  weep — their  souls  to  joys  are 

given  ; 
Mourn  not,  nor  weep — there's  glorious  rest  in  heaven  !'* 


CANTO  XX. 


INVASION  OF  CANADA  AT 
QUEENSTOWN. 


ARGUMENT. 

About  the  same  period  that  Proctor  invested  Fort  Meigs,  Brown 
took  command  at  Sacket's  Harbour.. ..Van  Rensselaer  is  detached 
to  Lewistown,  who,  on  his  arrival,  prepares  for  a  Descent  upon 
Queenstown....A  Traitor.. ..The  Storming  of  the  Heights. 

The  scene  is  laid  at  Sacket's  Harbour,  Lewistown,  Fort  George, 
and  Queenstown....The  lime  is  ten  days. 


FREDONIAD. 


CANTO  XX. 

DURING  the  time  that  Shelby  in  the  West 
His  arms  employ'd  to  tame  the  savage  breast, 
Around  the  borders  of  Ontario  far 
The  deafening  turbulence  of  clamorous  war 
Rag'd  like  the  breaking  of  the  clouds  in  heaven, 
When  the  pent  thunders  to  the  earth  are  driven. 

Now,  as  the  Muse  the  plans  of  warfare  sung 
In  Freedom's  capitol,  her  theme  but  young, 
Brown  was  selected  by  the  President 
To  place  his  name  among  the  eminent,  10 

Whose  deeds  stand  blazon'd  on  immortal  scroll, 
Who  broke  from  kings  the  sceptre  of  control. 

The  State  of  Penn  was  honour'd  with  his  birth  ; 
Born  near  the  spot  of  Trenton's  hallow'd  earth  ; 
Often  he  trac'd  where  Washington  had  trod, 
Which  caus'd  a  sacred  thrilling  of  his  blood. 

In  his  first  years,  the  village  school  he  taught ; 
Nor  higher  dignity  of  fame  he  sought 
Than  aid  the  budding  of  the  mind  to  bloom, 
And  the  dark  chambers  of  the  soul  illume  ;  '20 

27    VOL.  n. 


314  FBEDON1AD.      CANTO   XX. 

No  sound  of  mustering  war  disturb'd  his  ear, 

Though  even  then  the  Albion  character 

Was  deep  encrimson'd  with  the  damning  crime, 

Impressment,  never  to  be  lost  in  time  : 

But  yet  the  Nation  thought  to  check  the  sin, 

Without  the  storm  of  battle  to  begin  ; 

Hence,  to  enlarge  his  mind,  he  bent  his  views 

And  strove  the  light  of  science  to  infuse 

In  the  warm  bosom  of  his  country's  youth, 

And  make  their  minds  ennobled  with  the  truth  ;       30 

Knowing,  what  heaven  eternally  design'd, 

That  Freedom  ever  should  exist  with  mind. 

Thus  did  his  years  glide  on,  till  rumour'd  war 
Spread  with  hoarse  accent  through  the  land  afar  ; 
He  snatch'd  his  sword — unsheath'd  it  to  the  light, 
Determin'd  never,  till  his  country's  right 
Should  be  establish'd,  its  keen  edge  to  blind, 
Unless,  in  arms,  he  honour'd  death  should  find. 

The  fashion  of  his  limbs  bespeaks  the  man, 
Solid  in  strength — exact  to  nature's  plan  ;  40 

His  ample  bosom  holds  a  heart  that  bounds, 
When  dread  the  bugle  the  mad  charge  resounds  ; 
Yet,  when  the  flag  of  peace  is  seen  to  float, 
Its  pulses  calm — it  loves  the  gentle  note 
That  vibrates  round  the  mellow  scenes  at  home, 
Where  songs  of  sweetness  echo  to  the  loom. 

His  voice  is  gifted  with  expression  strong  ; 
And   when   he  speaks,   deep  judgment   clothes   his 

tongue  ; 

His  look  is  somewhat  stern — his  eye  is  hid, 
Partial,  by  the  contraction  of  the  lid  ;  50 


INVASION   OF   CANADA.  315 

But  view  it  well,  and  obvious  you'll  remark 
Beneath  the  frown,  an  unextinguish'd  spark 
Of  vital  burning  : — Thus  the  orb  of  gold, 
When  overspread  with  intervening  fold, 
Is  not  discern'd,  beheld  with  careless  eye, 
Though  proud  it  holds  its  station  in  the  sky  ; 
But  mark  it  well,  we  then  observe  its  form 
Majestick,  grand,  though  struggling  with  the  storm. 

When  Brown  by  Madison  was  cloth'd  with  power 
To  guide  the  battle  in  the  fearful  hour,  60 

He,  to  the  Harbour*  at  Ontario's  wave, 
Advanc'd — where  chiefs,  with  native  valour  brave, 
Before  him  had  assembled  :— Scott,  a  name 
Never  to  perish,  from  Virginia  came  ; 
Gaines  was  his  brother  by  parental  State  ; 
And  each,  ia  daring,  had  a  soul  innate  ; 
The  next  was  Ripley — child  of  woody  Maine, 
Who,  midst  of  carnage,  kept  his  mind  in  chain  ; 
Wool,  Morris,  Christie,  Forsythe,  Wadsworth,  Pike  ; 
And  none,  in  virtue,  earth  sustains  their  like  ;          70 
The  venerable  Swift,  and  Rensselaer, 
Frosted  with  age,  amid  the  group  appear. 

The  Muse  her  page  with  numbers  might  enlarge, 
To  whom  the  bugle,  giving  out  the  charge, 
Was  musick  to  their  ears — but  these  above, 
The  first  in  brilliancy  of  honour  move. 

So  thus  in  autumn,  when  serene  the  sky, 
The  stars  show  splendid  in  the  galaxy  ; 
Some,  more  magnificent  with  light  appear, 
But  all  with  glory  decorate  the  sphere  ;  80 

*  Sacket's  Harbour. 


316  PREDONIAD.      CANTO  XX. 

Not  otherwise  these  names  conspicuous  stand, 
Rank'd  with  the  foremost  of  the  patriot  band  ; 
And  each  will  shine  an  unextinguish'd  star, 
Till  years  are  lost  in  rolling  ages  far. 

Now  as  the  mountains,  cloth'd  in  foliage  green, 
Are  lin'd  with  golden  light — the  chiefs  convene 
At  Brown's  pavilion,  his  commands  to  hear  ; 
And  while  he  speaks,  each  holds  attentive  ear  : 

"  Warriors  !  'tis  ours  the  nation's  strength  to  wield. 
And  curb  the  royal  arms  upon  the  field  ;  90 

On  us,  our  country  bends  an  anxious  eye, 
To  stand  the  bulwark  of  her  Liberty. 

"  While  Shelby  holds  the  circle  of  the  west, 
Presenting  to  the  foe  ah  iron  breast, 
Down  from  Niagara  to  the  smooth  Champlain, 
We,  from  invasion,  must  the  soil  maintain, 
And  jealous  guard  it  from  a  foeman's  tread, 
Walling  the  land  with  steel-crown'd  bayonets  dread* 

"  This  purpose  to  accomplish,  Rensselaer, 
Proceed  to  Lewistown,  with  fire  to  sear  100 

The  centre  of  their  hearts  in  battle  shock, 
Should  they  from  you  withhold  the  Queenstown 
rock. 

"  A  line  of  infantry  awaits  you  there, 
Anxious  to  bring  their  energies  to  bear 
Against  the  Heights  :    From  Massachusetts,  late, 
They  march  to  aid  us  to  defend  the  state 
Against  oppression.     Strong  sustains  the  band — 
Brother  to  him,  who  governs  in  the  land  ; 
At  times,  I  doubt,  they'll  move  like  patriots  on, 
Such  sore  divisions  pull  their  valour  down  ;  110 


INVASION    OP    CANADA.  317 

But  you  will  weigh  with  judgment,  when  you  find 
The  strength  or  weakness  that  pervades  their  mind. 

"  Now,  while  Macdonough  shall  defend  Champlain, 
The  different  passes  Macomb  will  maintain  ; 
Pike  in  the  centre  will  abide  with  me, 
T'  invade,  or  guard  against  the  enemy  ; 
The  fleet  of  Chauncey,  with  his  seamen  hale, 
Will  soon  be  ready  on  the  lake  to  sail. 

"  Let  every  eye  be  open  on  the  foe, 
That  when  we  strike,  their  glittering  standards  bow  ; 
This  to  fulfil,  forth  to  your  place  repair, 
And  prove  by  action  what  of  souls  ye  are." 

The  warriors  heard  his  purposes,  and  wheel'd, 
And  rank'd  then-  ready  squadrons  on  the  field  ; 
The  aged  Rensselaer  turns — marches  west  ; 
Though  small  his  number,  iron  is  their  breast ; 
Eighteen  times  fifty  constitute  his  line, 
To  pass  the  flood  and  do  the  bold  design  ; 
With  Strong's  battalions  nothing  more  he'll  need, 
Should  Strong  himself  prove  valiant  in  the  deed.     130 

Scott,  Christie,   Gansevoort,  Randolph,  Morris, 

Lent  ; 

Mulaney,  Vallance,  Wadsworth — eminent ; 
Bloom,  Armstrong,   Kearney,  Malcolm,  Fenwick, 

Carr, 

Ogilvie,  Sampsons, — characters  of  war  ; 
And  Rensselaer,*  whose  throbbing  heart  beat  full  ; 
MacChesney,  Gibson,  Stannahan,  and  Wool ; 
And  Mead,  and  Baker,  Towson,  Lawrence,  brave, 
To  lead  to  battle  o'er  Niagara's  wave. 

*  Co'.  Van  Rensselaer. 
27*    VOL.  n. 


318  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XX. 

On  the  tenth  day,  the  sun  descending  clear, 
They  enter'd  Lewistown  with  Rensselaer  140 

Whiten'd  with  age,  their  banners  floating  proud, 
The  drums  shrill  beating  their  advancement  loud. 

During  one  moon,  ere  they  approach'd  the  site, 
With  six  battalions,  Strong,  in  armour  bright, 
Had  gain'd  the  village — waiting  Rensselaer, 
To  pass  Niagara — mocking  at  the  fear  ; 
(Strong  had  reported  of  his  strength  to  Brown, 
By  Dexter,  rising  to  a  fair  renown.) 

Brief,  when  the  echo  of  the  drums  was  done, 
To  Rensselaer,  he  anxiously  begun  :  150 

"  Though  late,  you  give  us  joy.     Since  Acre,  one 

moon 

Has  wax'd  and  wan'd  in  heaven,  expecting  soon 
To  see  thy  train  approach.     Impatiently 
We've  gaz'd,  and  gaz'd,  to  view  thy  banners  fly, 
Gladdening  the  breeze.     My  warriors  long  to  press, 
And  crush  the  foe  for  Raisin's  savageness  ; 
By  patient  words,  in  part  I've  cool'd  their  flame — 
But,  at  the  instant  thy  battalions  came, 
They  seem'd  like  wolves,  when  greedy  in  their  ire 
To  fasten  on  their  prey — eyes  glancing  fire,  160 

They  long  to  pass  the  wave,  and  climb  the  height 
Of  yonder  battlements  in  shock  of  fight  ; 
Oft  as  they  mark  the  banner  o'er  the  stream, 
The  burning  of  their  eye  is  meteorous  gleam  ; 
Not  soothing  words  will  smother  their  desire  ; 
Their  hearts — each  vein — their  very  blood  is  fire 
To  leap  upon  the  foe  with  bayonet — sword- 
Make  but  the  sign — death  melts  them  at  the  word  !" 


INVASION    OF    CANADA.  319 

While  this  description  of  his  ranks  he  gave, 
The  general  listen'd  with  an  aspect  grave  :  170 

"  Soon  shall  their  murmurings  cease,  for  lack  of 

toil — 

At  morrow's  dawn  we  tread  the  hostile  soil ! 
Without  delay,  the  warriors  I'll  inform 
My  swift  intention  to  begin  the  storm." 

This  answer  said,  they  pass'd  along  the  field, 
WThile  with  each  other  they  a  converse  held. 

Marshall'd  in  columns,  both  divisions  stood  ; 
Squadrons  of  Strong — and  those  who  trac'd  the  flood 
Of  the  Ontario  lake.     The  volunteers, 
When  they  the  chief  beheld  of  former  years,  180 

Brandish'd  their  weapons  in  the  glancing  light, 
And  boisterous  shouted  :  "  Lead  us  to  the  Height  ! 
Our  souls  are  on  the  wing  to  stem  the  flood, 
And  climb  yon  battlements  and  spill  their  blood  !" 

When  had  the  echo  ceas'd — the  veteran  then  : 
"  Deliberate  valour  marks  the  deeds  of  men  ; 
Mistake  me  not,  to  smother  aught  of  fire, 
Or  curb  a  warrior  of  his  bold  desire  ; 
But  then  the  lion  never  chafes  with  heat  ; 
Conscious,  he  feels  the  battle-day  to  meet ;  190 

Frequent  it  happens,  words  reduce  the  mind  ; 
They  waste  the  substance — shadows  stay  behind. 

"  So  as  the  wine  in  the  alembick  boils, 
Or  the  sweet  spices,  rich  with  odorous  oils  ; 
The  more  it  foams,  the  weaker  is  its  strength  ; 
The  dregs  are  all  remaining  there  at  length, 
While  the  choice  odours  and  the  spirits  rare, 
Are  spent  and  scatter'd  in  the  vacant  air. 


320  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XX. 

"  Thus  when  our  words  without  reflection  rise, 
They  waste  the  power  to  quail  our  enemies.  200 

"  But  far  from  me  to  dampen,  or  deride 
A  heart  that  beats  to  line.     Let  each  confide 
Firm  in  his  native  strength,  when  the  dark  hour 
Of  fiery  tumult  shall  around  him  lower. 

"  Time's  hurrying  wings  the  moments  rapid  move 
To  test  your  virtue — patriotism  prove  ; 
At  noon  of  night,  in  pointed  steel  arise, 
To  pass  the  rock-ribb'd  stream,  and,  by  surprise, 
Ascend  yon  eagle  Heights,  and  storm  the  foe, 
And  strike  the  Blood-Cross  from  the  welkin  low."  210 

The  volunteers  rejoin'd  with  voices  shrill  : 
"  Yon  Heights  are  ours,  or  our  best  blood  shall  spill !" 

But  those,  who  late  from  Brown's  position  came, 
Stood  silent  in  their  strength  : — A  smother'd  flame 
Was  pent  within  their  heart  :  an  untam'd  look, 
From  lowering  eyes,  more  loud  than  shoutings  spoke. 

The  storm  proclaim'd,  each  to  his  station  hies 
To  be  prepar'd  to  wrestle  for  the  prize. 

Arnold  the  infamous,  for  treason  done, 
In  Strong's  battalions  had  a  graceless  son,  220 

Who  bore  the  nation's  banner  for  his  rank  ; 
His  soul  corrupt,  as  though  he'd  copious  drank 
At  the  dire  fountain  of  corruption's  stream  ; 
Frequent  his  father  visited  his  dream. 

To  riot  in  loose  pleasure  was  his  zeal, 
Reckless  of  virtue  or  the  publick  weal  ; 
With  mind  debauch'd  with  vice,  he  apprehends 
The  action  just,  that  satisfies  his  ends, 


INVASION    OP    CANADA.  321 

Whatever  are  the  means — can  ne'er  retain, 

To  practise  virtue  was  the  noblest  gain.  230 

From  his  first  years  he  lov'd  the  spendthrift's  part, 
Which,  like  an  adder,  wound  about  his  heart, 
Pouring  its  deadly  poison  through  his  frame  ; 
Setting  the  passion  of  his  soul  in  flame. 

Beneath  the  rocks,  he  sought  deep  solitude, 
And  thus  the  workings  of  his  brain  pursu'd  : 

"  And  is  it  not  insufferable,  that  I 
Longer  should  bear  this  weight  of  poverty  ? 
Scarce  does  my  grade  a  beggar's  part  afford  ; 
An  insult  to  my  character  and  sword  ;  240 

And  must  I  ever  bear  this  loathsome  thrall  ? 
The  very  thought  my  bosom  turns  to  gall  ! 
Who,  that  has  pride,  indignant  would  not  feel, 
To  be  compell'd,  like  slave  in  chains  to  kneel 
To  him,  whom  chance  more  dignified  has  made, 
Whilst  all  my  deeds  are  buried  in  the  shade  7 

"  Am  not  I  mock'd,  by  reason  that  my  name 
Is  that  of  Arnold  1 — where  in  me  is  blame 
For  what  my  father  did  ?     I  love  my  soil, 
And  would  most  cheerful  for  its  freedom  toil  :         250 
And  do  they  thus  the  son  of  Hull  depress  1 
No — he  receives  an  honourable  caress  ! 

"  Never  my  taste  was  made  for  savage  food, 
But  such  as  earth  supplies  of  luxuries  good  ; 
None  that  have  educated  thoughts  can  live 
On  the  small  means,  that  officers  receive  ; 
Then,  how  above  the  multitude,  can  I 
Erect  my  brow — maintain  my  dignity  ? 

"  My  dignity  !     This  comes  of  royal  name  ; 
But  equal  Freedom  sinks  the  soul  to  shame  ;  260 


322  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XX. 

Away  the  thought.     One  life  have  I  to  spend, 
And  that  in  pleasure  to  the  last  shall  end. 

"Now  wJio  would  be  so  abject  in  his  plan, 
As  with  the  vulgar  to  be  honest  man  ? 
None,  but  a  mind  that  wallows  in  the  mire, 
Grovelling  with  swine,  and  knows  of  nothing  higher. 

"  I  on  the  honey  of  the  rose  will  live, 
If  earth  have  means  the  luxury  to  give. 

"  But   here,   I'm   cramp'd  and  mock'd   with   a 

support — 

Nothing  that  will  with  dignity  consort ;  270 

I  must  improve  it — this  degrading  post 
Will  hardly  satisfy  one  pleasure's  cost ; 
The  most  inferior  of  the  regal  lines 
More  in  the  character  of  honour  shines, 
Acquires  more  wealth — yea,  more  luxurious  lives, 
Than  Brown — or  any  of  his  rank  receives  ! 

********* 

"  Why  do  I  pause  the  purpose  to  pursue  1 
Honour  and  wealth  are  open  to  my  view  ! 
I'll  pass  the  stream — the  enemy  inform 
The  swift  design  of  Rensselaer  to  storm. 

********* 

"  'Twill  never  do — I  must  renounce  the  plan — 
The  world  in  scorn  contemns  a  treacherous  man. 

"  I  must  these  views  restrain — live  mean,  obscure  ; 
Loathsome  the  thought — I'll  never  it  endure  ; 
Peace,  conscience  !  peace  ! — thy  meditations  hold  ! 
Think  of  the  pleasures  purchas'd  with  the  gold  ! 

"  Why  stand  I  pausing  in  my  purpose  slow  ? 
Wealth  shall  be  mine— I'll  seek  it  of  the  foe  !" 


INVASION    OP   CANADA.  323 

This  said,  with  silent  feet  he  made  the  shore, 
And  skiram'd  the  waters  in  a  light  skiff  o'er  ;          290 
The  Fiend  was  near,  and  aided  him  to  pass, 
Smoothing  the  waters  to  a  stream  of  glass. 

"  Who  interrupts  the  night  V1  The  watch-guard 

cried  ; 

"  Friend  !"  soft  the  traitor  in  his  turn  replied  ; 
"  A  friend  who  comes  to  warn  thee  of  a  blow, 
Prepar'd  to  smite  thee  with  an  overthrow  ! 
Guide  me  to  Vincent,  who  commands  the  hold, 
That  I  the  brewing  danger  may  unfold." 

The  parley  ended, — him  the  sentry  led 
To  Vincent,  late  retiring  to  his  bed  ;  300 

His  troops  for  many  hours  had  lost  the  world, 
Its  cares  perplexing,  in  oblivion  hurl'd, 
Save  Myers,  his  second  officer  to  lead, 
And  Manners,  valiant  in  the  day  of  need. 

Vincent  abrupt  :  "  Your  character  and  name  ?" 
"  My  name  is  Arnold  :  from  thy  foe  I  came  ; 
F  am  of  Arnold — noted  for  the  bold — 
But  not  to  thee  his  courage  need  be  told : 
I  hold  the  rank  to  wave  a  standard  there  ; 
But  now  to  you  important  things  I  bear."  310 

He  broach 'd  his  hell.     Vincent  in  haste  rejoins  : 
"  I'm  fix'd  attention — open  their  designs  ! 
Yes — in  your  lineaments,  I  well  descry 
Your  father's  features  and  his  very  eye  ; 
His  heart  was  steel  and  fire.     I  knew  him  well  ; 
I'm  proud  you  visit  us.     The  tidings  tell." 


324  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XX. 

Thus  he.      Then  Arnold  brief :    "  The  plan  is 

laid, 
At  sign  of  day,  thy  fortress  to  invade." 

"  I  comprehend  you  not  !     Said  you  at  light, 
That~those  of  Lewistown  would  storm  the  Height  ? 
It  is  not  truth — not  possible  indeed, 
They'll  boat  the  flood  and  to  these  rocks  proceed  ! 

"  I  pray  you  speak  what  numbers  they  can  form, 
That  I  may  guard  against  the  coming  storm." 

"  The  volunteers  of  Strong  are  thousands  two  ; 
But  much  I  doubt  their  courage  will  be  true  ; 
With  Rensselaer,  nine  hundred  warriors  came  ; 
But  death  alone  can  overwhelm  their  name." 

"  They'll  never  dare  the  deed  !     They'll  see  their 

fault— 

They'll  never  dare  to  venture  the  assault  ;  330 

They  'tempt  it,  and  they  die. — Yea — sudden  death 
Will  seize  their  heart,  and  strangle  them  beneath  ! 
Ere  that  a  barge  will  ever  touch  the  land, 
Their  bodies  will  be  wash'd  upon  the  strand, 
Or  feed  the  hungry  monsters  of  the  wave  ; 
The  man  that  dares  attempt,  will  find  a  grave  ! 

"  My  strength    is  equal  to  defend  me  now, 
Against  the  utmost  darings  of  the  foe  ; 
But  wisdom  plans  the  future  worst  to  guard, 
Triumphal  honours  yields  a  proud  reward.  340 

"  Manners,  bound  forth — let  lightning  be  thy  speed  ; 
A  moment  now,  no  value  can  exceed  ; 


INVASION   OP    CANADA.  325 


Fly  to  the  Chippewa — bid  Calloose  there, 
With  all  his  fighting  men  to  this  repair  ; 
And  Myers,  'tis  yours  with  rapidncss  to  hie 
Down  to  fort  George — the  same  your  embassy 
There,  you'll  salute  the  royal-knighted  Brock, 
And  make  it  known,  they  war  upon  the  Rock  ; 
Urgent  solicit  him  without  delay 
T?  advance,  if  possible,  ere  twilight  day.'' 
His  chiefs,  unanswering,  his  commands  obey. 


Turning  to  Arnold,  hasty  he  began  : 
"  As  recompense  that  you  reveal'd  the  plan, 
A  royal  captain,  I  create  you  now  ; 
Thou  art  the  shield  that  warded  off  the  blow  ; 
Secure  I  thought  myself  against  assault, 
But  thou  hast  taught  me  to  correct  my  fault." 

The  traitor's  bosom  beat  with  prospects  high  ; 
But  Vincent  wheeling,  barr'd  him  from  reply  ; 
From  couch  to  couch,  with  spirit  in  his  breast,       360 
He  call'd  his  warriors  to  forget  their  rest  : 

"  Britons  !  awake  !    or  never  think  to  rise  ! 
The  foe  is  bent  to  rush  us  in  surprise  ! 
Shake  off  this  mocking  death  !     Each  part  make  sure 
Against  assault.     Your  royalty  secure  ; 
The  brass,  that  mock  the  thunder,  charge  with  balls  ! 
Arise — awake  !  imperious  duty  calls  ! 
Each  bosom  be  a  rock,  nor  danger  fear, 
And  death  shall  meet  them  for  a  messenger  !" 
They  heard — half  dreaming  from  their  slumbers 

broke,  370 

A  wild  emotion  glaring  every  look. 
28    VOL.  ii. 


326  FREDONIAD.      CANTO  XX. 

In  Boston  thus,  at  solemn  time  of  night, 
No  object  stirring  save  the  meteor's  flight, 
Lo,  through  her  proud  Exchange — a  gorgeous  pile 
Of  splendid  halls,  where  numbers  dream'd  the  while 
Of  ships  return'd  with  India's  merchandise  ; 
Of  wealth  abundant,  from  the  lottery  prize  ; 
Or  rapture  glancing  from  the  eye  of  love  ; 
A  cry  of  fire  came  thundering  from  above  ! 
Tumult  abounding — dreamers  dash'd  from  bed,        380 
Awak'd  with  horror  and  convuls'd  with  dread  ! 

So  sprang  the  Albions  from  their  slumberings  forth, 
To  hear  a  tempest  gathering  into  birth. 

They    drive  with  hurrying  pulse  and  labouring 

breath 

In  the  brass  mouths  the  canisters  of  death  ; 
Soon  stand  the  engines  planted  with  a  frown, 
Th'  invading  barges  in  the  surf  to  drown, 
Should  any  dare  the  stream — whilst  every  soul 
Impatient  waits  to  hear  the  signal  roll. 

Till  this,  the  waxing  Moon  with  ivory  horns        390 
Had  wash'd  with  silver  light  the  hills  and  lawns  ; 
But  now  she  sinks  behind  the  mountain's  height, 
And  leaves  the  world  embrac'd  in  smoothing  night. 

Inconstant  Moon  !  farewell  ! — O,  why  so  coy — 
To  shine  so  sweet  in  heaven  and  swell  with  joy 
My  gazing  soul — and  then,  withdraw  thy  beam, 
And  mock  my  hope  with  a  delusive  dream  ! 
Farewell  ! — I  cast  thee  from  my  bosom  far, 
And  place  my  heart  on  some  unchanging  Star  ; 
At  times,  I  thought  thee  wedded  to  my  breast ;      -400 
When  lo,  thou  hid'st  thy  beauty  in  the  west ! 


INVASION    OP    CANADA.  327 

Sad,  with  a  tear  I  bid  thy  charms  adieu, 
To  seek  some  lov'd  one  with  affection  true. 

Come  to  my  heart,  thou  Star,  whose  hallow'd  ray 
Hath  never  dwindled  since  creation's  day  ! 
Maid  of  North  !     How  sweet  the  lovely  Seven, 
In  mystick  dance,  swim  round  thy  beams  in  heaven  ! 
My  love  is  rapture.     Thou  hast  mark'd  mine  eye 
Pour  on  thy  beauty,  center 'd  in  the  sky  ! 
Oft  hath  my  soul  gaz'd, — worshipp'd  thee  alone,    410 
Till  my  lips  seem'd  to  kiss  thee  on  thy  throne  ! 
The  Moon — I  name  her  not — for  thou  art  mine, 
To  make  my  tongue  speak  wonderous  things  divine  ! 

********* 

Where   have  I   bent  my  thoughts  ?      O  tell  me 

where  ? 
In  heaven — on  earth  1 — I'm  lost  in  transports  rare  ! 

Descend,  O  Muse,  nor  think  that  thou  canst  live 
With  deities,  that  light  eternal  give  ! 
Descend  to  earth,  and  leave  this  wildness  high — 
Man  is  thy  theme — flesh — ashes — dust — mortality. 

********* 

At  hour  of  midnight,  strengthen'd  in  their  mind,  420 
Columbians  rise  to  do  the  work  design'd  j 
The  chief  impatient  for  the  bold  assay, 
Passes  the  lines,  that  nothing  might  delay 
To  navigate  the  stream.     With  souls  awake. 
To  brace  their  blood,  of  viands  they  partake  ; 
Their  keen-edg'd  appetite  makes  sweet  the  taste, 
And  not  with  idle  forms  the  moments  waste. 

These  brief  instructions  from  the  veteran  come, 
"  In  column  form  without  the  tell-tale  drum, 


FREDONIAD.       CANTO    XX. 

'Whose  babbling  echo  would  the  foe  alarm,  430 

And  place  him  ready  with  defensive  arm." 

Th'  attentive  warriors,  with  unsounding  feet, 
Move  on  the  ground  with  spirit-motion  fleet  ; 
In  close-wedg'd  column  on  the  field  they  stand, 
Fix'd  in  attention  to  receive  command 
To  stem  Niagara's  torrent.     Rensselaer 
Approaches  and  gives  musick  to  their  ear  : 

"  Warriors  ! — behold  the  shades  of  waning  night 
Fly  off  apace,  to  bring  the  welcome  light 
To  loom  the  path,  which  leads  to  the  emprise —     440 
When,  steel  in  hand,  we  grapple  for  the  prize  ! 

"  Son  of  my  brother,*  thou  wilt  lead  the  van, 
Tyger  in  battle,  though  in  heart  a  man  : 
Float  thy  battalions  in  advancement  o'er, 
Six  hundred  strong,  and  land  upon  the  shore. 
Christie,  display  the  same  of  equal  worth, 
And,  in  the  charge,  their  gallantry  put  forth  ; 
Ascend  the  Heights  with  bayonets,  lead,  a  shower  j 
Beat  down  the  Cross,  and  let  the  Eagle  tower.        449 

"  Scott,  play  the  batteries.     Baker,  Towson,  brave, 
Supply  him  with  your  strength  to  guard  the  wave, 
Should  the  foe,  jealous,  notice  our  design, 
And  strive  with  brass  to  sweep  away  the  line. 

"  Ever  a  soldier  for  the  worst  should  guard  ; 
For  every  evil  be  his  mind  prepar'd, 
And  then,  no  accident  will  cause  surprise, 
Should  fires  made  hot  with  sudden  whirlwinds  rise." 

Scarce  this  had  ccho'd  from  his  aged  tongue, 
AVhen  Dexter,  hurrying  forth — (an  aid  to  Strong) 

*  Col.  Van  Rensselaer, 


INVASION   OP   CANADA.  329 

With  rapid  accents  thus  :  "  Sage  Rensselaer  ! 
Lo,  our  intentions  to  the  foe,  I  fear, 
Are  openly  reveaPd  !     Of  our  brigade, 
Arnold  the  younger,  to  his  ear  has  laid 
The  manner  of  attack  !     Void  is  his  post — 
Sad  I   forebode  his  character  is  lost  ! 
Oft  have  I  heard  him  at  his  means  deride  ; 
His  whole  campaign  a  day  scarce  satisfied." 

Strong  strengthen'd  his  report  :    "  No  doubt  re 
mains, 

But  he  hath  left  us  for  corrupting  gains  ; 
To  slippery  pleasures  was  the  traitor  given,  470 

Whose  votaries  oft  to  desperate  acts  are  driven." 

While  this  was  utter'd,  every  heart  was  dumb  ; 
The  damping  news  made  every  nerve  feel  numb  ; 
'Twas  like  a  blast,  which,  rising  from  the  sand 
Of  burning  desert,  passes  o'er  the  land, 
Scorching  the  future  harvest  in  its  bloom, 
Fill'd  with  contagion  to  supply  the  tomb  ; 
The  peasant  marks  his  hopes  and  labours  lost ; 
And  through  his  blood  perceives  a  creeping  frost. 

********* 

The  younger  Rensselaer  at  length  express'd         480 
The  native  passion  stirring  in  his  breast : 

"  My  father's  brother — chief  of  ancient  fame, 
Never  this  treachery  my  heart  shall  tame  ; 
And  let  the  traitor  our  intentions  show  ; 
In  open  day  I'll  strike  upon  the  foe  ! 
Yea — should  their  thunders  jar  the  wall'd-up  shore, 
And  death  flash  round  me  in  a  blazing  shower, 
I'll  move  upon  the  Rock  !     Instant,  at  dawn, 
I'll  pass  the  stream  and  lead  the  hope  forlorn  /" 
28*    VOL.  ii. 


330  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XX. 

His  voice  breath'd  valour — Christie  breath'd  the 

same,  490 

Should  all  the  battlements  be  wrapp'd  in  flame. 

The  general,  after  pausing  :  "  Grief  and  joy 
Mix  in  my  breast,  and  make  a  strange  alloy  ; 
My  heart  beats  languid  with  a  sinking  pain, 
That  lurking  treason  should  the  army  stain  ; 
But  with  divinity  my  feelings  rise, 
To  see  your  souls  the  open  war  despise. 

"  Soldiers  !  to  arms  !     Behold  the  morning  star 
Burns  in  the  east,  prelusive  of  the  war! 
Move  to  the  purpose  !     Without  sound  embark,      500 
While  yet  the  ebon  night  is  shadowy  dark  ; 
Soon  mantling  twilight  with  her  sober  gray 
Will  line  the  hills  and  drive  the  shades  away." 

Down  the  rough  steep  the  columns  silent  turn, 
While  sparks  of  glory  in  their  bosoms  burn  ; 
Warm'd  by  that  fire,  with  confidence  they  move 
To  pass  Niagara,  their  bayonets  prove  ; 
Christie  leads  next  to  Rensselaer  the  way  ; 
The  boats  are  laden'd  as  the  stars  decay  ; 
Scott  mans  with  thunder-men  the  battery  strong,  510 
Ready  to  speak  with  War's  rebellowing  tongue. 

Meantime  the  Albions,  rous'd  upon  the  Height, 
Waited  in  silence  to  reveal  their  might  ; 
And  as  day  glimmer'd  in  the  orient  sky, 
They  mark'd  the  patriots  on  the  waters  nigh  ! 

"  Level  the  engines  !     See  th'  approaching  foe  ! 
Outnoise  Niagara,  and  bring  them  low  ! 
Let  one  deep  blast  appal  them  in  their  pride  ; 
Let  volum'd  flames  consume  them  on  the  tide  !" 


INVASION   OP   CANADA.  331 

Vincent  commanded  with  impetuous  look  ;          520 
The  cannon  answer'd — heavy  clouds  of  smoke 
Mix'd  with  blue  fire,  roll  forth.     The  deafening  roar 
Cradles  the  Height  !  while  flames  in  whirlwinds  pour 
Sweeping  the  craggy  clifts.     The  valiant  Scott 
Peals  his  artillery  with  thunder  note. 

As  when  two  mountains  in  the  northern  sea, 
As  though  excited  with  an  enmity, 
Explode  like  JEtna.  from  their  wombs  beneath, 
Each  casting  forth  the  violence  of  death, 
The  burning  lava — rocks  made  red  with  heat          530 
Seem  as  they  mix  though  heaven  they'd  desolate  ; 
Contending  thunders  mingle  in  the  fray, 
Like  wreck  of  nature  at  the  judgment  day  ; 
Something  like  this  explodes  from  either  shore  ; 
The  dread  convulsion  stills  Niagara's  roar. 

The  tumult  rous'd  the  Fiend  from  his  abode  ; 
His  form  he  partial  rais'd  above  the  flood  ; 
His  head,  like  summit  of  a  mountain  vast  ; 
His  arms  in  hugeness  like  an  admiral  mast  ; 
Deep  in  the  centre  of  his  forehead  high,  540 

With  horrid  glare  looks  out  his  ghostly  eye, 
Round  as  the  moon,  and  broad,  as  when  through 

blood 

She  travels  to  the  east  with  murder'd  brood 
Of  spectres  in  her  train — riding  on  fire, 
And,  as  they  wheel,  flash,  darken,  and  retire  ; 
His  cavern  mouth  yawns  horrible  and  drear, 
Deep  as  the  grave,  in  which  his  teeth  appear 
Like  pointed  rocks — and,  fearful  as  they  gnash, 
Sparkles  of  hell  in  circles  round  them  flash. 


332  FREDONIAD.      CANTO   XX. 

Unseen  by  mortal,  thus  the  Fiend  arose,  550 

Intent  the  Freedom  passage  to  oppose  ; 
He  comes  in  wrath  the  barges  to  devour, 
While  round  his  brows  the  clouds  of  thunder  lower. 

But  lo,  Fredonia's  ever-watchful  eye 
Beheld  the  Fiend  from  the  ethereal  sky  ; 
Swift  she  descended  from  the  diamond  sphere, 
And  touch'd  his  boiling  breast  with  sacred  spear, 
Then,  rose  upon  the  wing  ! 

At  once  he  shrinks — 

With  earthquake  groan  beneath  the  wave  he  sinks  ; 
Convuls'd  with  pain,  he  spouts  the  waters  high,       560 
Which,  for  a  moment,  leaves  the  channel  dry  ; 
Now  crazy  whirlpools,  stirring  from  beneath, 
Show  him  in  torment  with  the  pang  of  death. 

Meantime  the  barges,  laden  with  the  brave, 
Are  borne  like  leaves  of  autumn  on  the  wave; 
Now,  to  the  summit  of  the  Height  they  reach, 
Then,  down  they  dash  upon  the  rocky  beach  ; 
In  drunken  eddies  whirl ingly  they  rise 
Full  in  the  flame  of  all  their  enemies  ! 

Christie  emleavour'd  to  inspire  his  men  ;  570 

Alas,  despair  in  every  face  was  seen  ; 
Lo,  in  the  act  to  animate  his  band, 
Dissever'd  sinks  his  soul-exciting  hand  ; 
Instant  a  cutting  lead,  from  rifle  sent, 
Burnt  in  the  bosom  of  the  youthful  Lent  ! 
Shivering  he  falls  a  fading  lily  pale, 
Yet  smiles  his  lip  as  his  last  pulses  fail. 

In  giddy  whirlwinds,  back,  without  an  oar, 
Christie  is  dash'd  and  broken  on  the  shore. 


INVASION    OF    CANADA. 

But  Rensselaer,  Ogilvie's  barge  beside,  580 

And  Wool,  and  Morris  on  the  waters  ride  ; 
Their  leader  prov'd  his  virtue  :   "  Bend  the  oars, 
And  overcome  the  rage,  and  make  the  shores  ! 
Let  fire  unquenchable,  in  bosoms  blaze  ; 
Your  hearts,  your  souls,  your  every  fibre,  raise 
To  cast  defiance  back  upon  the  flood  ; 
Dash  to  the  beach,  and  drench  the  Heights  in  blood  !" 

Thus  Rensselaer.     Behold,  an  envious  lead, 
Glancing  his  bosom,  lodg'd  in  Vallance'  head  ! 

Recent  the  youth  had  left  his  mother's  arms,        590 
Blooming  in  loveliness  with  nature's  charms  ; 
Alas,  fond  parent ! — mark  thy  bleeding  son  ! 
He  shivers  in  his  death  ! — his  sands  are  run  ; 
His  cheek  has  faded  ere  his  prime  begun  ! 

Widow'd  and  comfortless,  O  weep  thy  boy  ! 
He  was  thy  morning  song — thy  evening  joy. 

Indulge  thy  soul's  deep  sorrow  on  his  bier, 
And  if  thou  canst,  O  shed  the  softening  tear  ; 
Grief  dries  the  fountain  up.     But  raise  thine  eye- 
Behold,  he  lives  in  immortality  !  600 

As  on  from  wave  to  wave  the  barges  leap, 
He  falls  with  splashing  in  the  foaming  deep  ; 
Reckless  of  death — unmindful  of  the  roar, 
The  heroes  dash  upon  the  rocky  shore, 
And  Rensselaer,  wielding  his  brand  exclaims  : 

"  Climb — climb  the  Heights  and  smother  out  the 
flames  ! 

Do,  while  there's  life  !" 

He  fell  upon  the  beach, 

Of  wounds  fresh  made,  that  check'd  him    in   his 
speech, 


334  FREDONIAD.       CANTO  XX. 

Caus'd  by  four  bullets  driven  from  on  high — 

Two  pass'd  the  muscles  of  his  dexter  thigh  ;  610 

One  pierc'd  his  hip,  another  cleft  his  heel  ; 

But  still  his  soul  indignant,  scorn'd  to  kneel  ; 

He  raises  on  his  sword,  and  thus  proceeds  : 

"  Mount — climb — rush  forward — do  immortal 

deeds !" 

He  sunk  and  fainted  with  the  loss  of  blood  ; 
But  lo,  his  voice  was  to  the  mind  as  food 
To  hungry  tygers.     Shouting  high,  they  climb 
The  rocky  steep  with  spirits  touch'd  sublime  : 
Vincent  observes  and  rushes  from  his  hold, 
And  fills  the  defile  with  his  veterans  bold  ;  620 

In  vain  the  patriots  strive  with  steel  to  pass  ; 
They  fall  before  the  flames  like  summer  grass 
Before  the  mowers  sweeping  down  the  field  ; 
Yet  they,  a  time,  the  desperation  held  ! 

At  length,  they  slow  behind  the  rocks  retire, 
And  shun  the  burning  pestilence  of  fire. 

Wool  from  the  defile  leads  a  wounded  youth — 
Morris,  renown'd  for  literature  and  truth, 
And  all  the  virtues  that  adorn  the  heart  ; 
But  ah,  the  roses  from  his  cheeks  depart  ;  630 

Above  his  collar  bone,  the  rent  is  made  ; 
The  ball  glanc'd  outward  through  his  shoulder  blade. 

He  pours  his  dying  voice  ;  "  Mourn  not  my  death  ; 
In  Glory's  lap  I  render  up  my  breath  ! 
This  bed  of  battle-earth  yields  softer  rest, 
Than  down  that  ever  warm'd  a  cygnet's  breast  ; 
But  O,  my  friends,  make  vict'ry  of  my  death, 
And  I  shall  sleep  with  pleasure  on  the  heath  ; 


INVASION   OF    CANADA.  335 

My  hovering  spirit  with  a  brightening  smile, 

Will  mark  your  banner  waving  on  the  hill  !  640 

**##**#** 

"  Alas,  what  brings  this  dew  upon  mine  eye  ? 
What  cause  subdues  my  bosom  with  a  sigh  1 

li  O,  is  it  thee  ! — thou  worship  of  my  soul, 
That  wrings  my  heart,  and  makes  these  sorrows  roll  ? 
Ah,  now  death-pains  I  feel  !      Our  parting  vow — 
Methinks  I  hear  it,  whispering  to  me  now, 
What  thou  with  weeping  said  : 

"  '  O  Edward,  cold- 
Cold  as  the  rock — cold  as  the  dark  brown  mould 
On  which  this  brow  will  rest,  wilt  thou  become, 
And  all  for  which  I  live,  will  slumber  in  the  tomb  !  650 
In  dream  of  night — alas — I  soon  shall  hear 
Thy  hovering  spirit  whisper  in  mine  ear, 

And  tell  me  how  thou  died  !' 

"  Thy  quivering  tongue, 

No  more  could  speak  thy  soul — but  O,  thine  eye 
Shot  through  my  heart  the  glance  of  agony  ! 

"  Fly — O  my  Spirit  !  to  her  bosom  fly — 
Visit  her  dream,  and  tell  her  how  I  die  ; 
Speak  of  my  fame  in  death — of  heaven  above  ; 
And  whisper  sweet,  that  my  last  word  was — love  ; 
O,  that  will  chase  delirium  from  her  brain,  660 

Whilst  cold  I  slumber  with  the  honour'd  slain." 

This  having  whisper' d  as  to  heaven  in  prayer  ; 
Her  sacred  image,  as  an  angel  fair, 
He  drew  from  out  his  bosom  :  "  O,  that  eye 
Contains  the  living  beauty  of  the  sky  ! 
That  forehead  crowu'd  with  love, — that  neck  of  snow, 
Round  which,  like  golden  mist,  thy  ringlets  flow  ! 


336  FREDONIAD.       CANTO    XX. 

That  cheek,  to  which  the  morning  blush  is  given, 

Expressing  rich,  the  workmanship  of  heaven  ! 

These  dewy  lips,  like  rose-buds  born  in  May,  670 

Round  which  the  graces  in  sweet  dimples  play  ; 

The  breath,  that  issues  from  that  hallow'd  mouth, 

Is  far  more  spicy  than  th'  Arabian  south  ; 

A  seraph  would  delight  to  own  these  charms  ; 

How  sweet  to  die  within  an  angel's  arms  ! 

*###•**#*» 
"  My  bosom  fails  of  life.      Cold  on  my  brow 

I  feel  death's  dampness — cold  as  drops  of  snow  ! 

Thy  matchless  beauty  hath  delay'd  his  dart — 

But  now,  my  soul  is  fluttering  at  my  heart ! 

Yet,  O,  this  luxury  of  a  parting  kiss,  680 

To  death  administers  an  holy  bliss  ! 

##*#***#* 
"  Sweet — sweet  in  death  !  faint,  fluttering,  dizzy, 
dark — 

Love  " stammer'd  on  his  tongue 

Th'  ethereal  spark 

Forsook  its  gory  tenement  of  clay, 

And  flew,  exulting,  to  the  realms  of  day. 

Not  otherwise  the  beams  of  heaven  had  shone 

Warm  on,  a  rose,  till  half  its  sweets  were  known  ; 

A  passing  virgin  caught  it  in  her  eye, 

Impearl'd  with  dew,  that  glitter'd  to  the  sky, 

She  rudely  seiz'd  it  for  a  nosegay  rare  ;  690 

Its  beauties  fell — it  witherd — perish'd  there. 
So  Morris  fled  the  region  of  the  sun  ; 

Cut  down  and  withered,  ere  the  hour  of  noon. 

Instant  the  patriots  saw  the  youth  expire, 
It  touch'd  their  bosoms  with  a  quenchless  fire 


INVASION    OP    CANADA. 


337 


To  brave  the  worst  of  death  !     Ogilvie  said, 
(Who  now  commanded)     "  Morris,  hath  he  bled, 
Vain  in  the  cause  1     His  last — his  dying  breath 
Was — '  O  my  friends,  make  vict'ry  of  my  death  !' 
And  is  there  none  to  quicken  into  flame,  700 

And  mount  the  Heights  and  grasp  the  prize  of  fame  1" 
"  Yes  !"  (Gansevoort  answer'd,)  "  Cautious  on 

the  right, 

I'll  scale  these  rocks — ascend  the  dizzy  Height, 
And  storm  the  fort  !     The  foe  shall  be  defied — 
I'll  do  the  deed,  with  Randolph  by  my  side. 
Rush  you  the  charge,  when  we  the  signal  shout, 
Then,  with  the  bayonet,  will  we  strike  them  out." 

"  Spoke  like  thyself !     I'll  watch  th'  important 

time, — 

The  daring  action  will  thy  name  sublime  ! 
Forth,  when  we  hear  your  shouting  on  the  Height, 
We'll  clear  yon  pass,  or  pour  our  blood  in  fight."  711 

Brief  was  Ogilvie's  voice.     The  chosen  few, 
Slow  climbing  up  the  cliffs,  their  art  pursue. 
Like  mountain  goats,  they  scale  the  beetling  rocks 
With  bayonets  pointing  death  !     From  springing  locks 
The  flints  were  loos'd — that,  on  the  steel  alone 
They  fix  their  faith  to  strike  their  foemen  down. 

Behold,  they  gain  the  summit  of  the  Height, 
And,  shouting  high  the  signal  of  the  fight, 
Down,  down  they  rush,  like  meteors  from  above,    720 
When  brewing  tempests  round  the  mountains  move  ! 

The  Britons  stand,  like  poplars  on  the  heath, 
Shivering  in  storm, — to  hear  the  shout  of  death — 
29    VOL.  ii. 


PREDONIAD.       CANTO  XX. 

Ere  scatter'd  thought  returns,  icy,  they  feel, 
Full  to  the  hilt,  the  cold,  the  pointed  steel  ! 

Ogilvie  rushes  forward  at  the  call, 
In  proud  defiance  of  the  showering  ball 
From  those,  who  fill  the  defile  ! — on  they  hie, 
Like  whirlwinds  gathering  from  their  infancy. 
The  Albions  break — then,  rally  to  the  fight,  730 

Like  tygers  darting  on  their  prey  at  night. 
Ogilvio  wounded,  falls  upon  his  knee — 
But  still  his  voice  alarms  the  eneny  ! 
Gansevoort  applies  to  conquer'd  brass  the  fires, 
And  Vincent,  reeling,  with  his  strength  retires. 
Down  from  the  skies,  the  Albion  Cross  is  driven — 
The  Stars  are  floating  on  the  breeze  in  heaven  !      737 


END  OF  VOL.  II 


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